fi
L
63L11§1WN
ktotimis'
iliVICION Nn. 273_ THTRf
OITAI'VER:1961
100
THE BLESSING OF DAILY STUDY
"There should be a living, growing interest in storing the mind with Bible
truth. The precious knowledge thus gained will build a barrier about the
soul."—Counsels on Sabbath School Work,
page 36.
Let us resolve to be more diligent in the study of His word and "set apart
a little time each day for the study of the Sabbath school
lesson."—Counsels
on Sabbath School Work,
page 41.
My Daily Lesson Study Pledge
As one who greatly desires to improve his knowledge of the Scriptures, I pledge
myself to the careful and prayerful study of some portion of my Sabbath school
lesson each day of the week.
Nana
Lesson Titles for the Quarter
L
God's Vineyard
2.
Hosea—The Prophet of Love
3.
Joel—The Prophet of the Day of the Lord
4.
Amos—The Layman Prophet
5.
Obadiah—The Prophet of Doom
6.
Jonah—The Wayward Prophet
7.
Micah—The Prophet to the Remnant
8.
Nahum—Prophet of Consolation to the Oppressed
9.
Habakkuk—Prophet of Faith and Patience
10.
Zephaniah—Proclaimer of the Day of the Lord
11.
Haggai—Prophet of Courage, Action, and Victory
12.
Zechariah—Prophet of Glorious Possibilities
13.
Malachi—Prophet to a Self-Righteous People
Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly, No. 273, July-September, 1963. 20 cents a single copy, 75 cents a
year (four issues) ; no additional charge to countries requiring extra postage. Published in the U.S.A.
by Pacific Press Publishing Association (a corporation of S.D.A.), 1350 Villa Street, Mountain View,
California. Second-class mail privileges authorized at Mountain View, California. Form 3579 requested.
When a change of address is desired, please be sure to send both old and new addresses.
Copyright, 1963, by Pacific Press Publishing Association
Printed in U.S.A.
COVER: JOHN STEEL, ARTIST; © P. P. P. A.
Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly
LESSONS FOR TODAY FROM THE MINOR PROPHETS
GENERAL INTRODUCTION
The overall subject for the quarter is
"Lessons for Today From the Minor Proph-
ets." There has been no attempt to cover
all the writings of the minor prophets; in-
stead, lessons have been gleaned that should
prove helpful to our Sabbath school mem-
bers.
Most of the so-called minor prophets are
preexilic—that is, the messages were writ-
ten prior to the Babylonian captivity that
befell Judah in 586 B.c. Some preceded the
Assyrian captivity of Israel in 723/722 B.C.
To Israel and Judah these national calami-
ties represented the day of the Lord, or the
day of God's judgment upon them because
of their infidelity to Him and their diver-
gence from His expressed will.
The prophets Haggai, Zechariah, and
Malachi were postexilic. These prophets
were mouthpieces of God in the days when,
for the second time, God set His hand to
recover the remnant of His people, who had
been scattered abroad among the heathen.
Their messages show that even after the
restoration, Israel failed to learn God's
lessons and to fulfill His plans.
Today God is gathering His people out of
every kindred, tongue, and nation. They
should learn to avoid the blunders of Israel
of old so that they may succeed where the
ancient people failed, finish the task as-
signed them, and be prepared to meet Jesus
at His second coming.
Thus we should study the minor proph-
ets, not merely as books of history, notic-
ing the failures of ancient Israel and con-
demning them for their incorrigibility, but
as divinely inspired records preserved for
our admonition. Only thus may these pro-
phetic messages be instrumental in guiding
us and in helping us to prepare for salva-
tion.
Lesson 1, for July 6, 1963
God's Vineyard
MEMORY VERSE:
"Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and
they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are
come." 1 Cor. 10:11.
STUDY HELPS:
Deuteronomy 28; "Prophets and Kings," pages 15-22; "Christ's
Object Lessons," chapter "The Lord's Vineyard;" "Education," pages 173-184;
"The S.D.A. Bible Commentary," vol. 4, pp. 26-33, and comments on Scripture
references.
LESSON AIM:
To point out that ancient Israel was to have been a marvel of wis-
dom, well-being, prosperity, and power through their allegiance to God's plan
for them, but that deviation from this plan spelled disaster.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey;
learn the memory verse.
❑
Sunday: Questions 1-3; begin read-
ing study helps.
❑
Monday: Questions 4-8.
❑
Check Here
Tuesday: Questions 9, 10; read
further from study helps.
Wednesday: Questions 11-14.
Thursday: Finish reading study
helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
[ 3 ]
Lesson Outline:
I. God's Purpose for Israel
1.
His plan for them. Ex. 19:5, 6;
Deut. 7:6.
2.
Conditions of fulfillment. Deut.
26:17-19.
3.
The plan illustrated. Isa. 5:1, 2
(first part), 7 (first part).
II. Blessings Promised to Obedient
Israel
4.
Good health. Ex. 15:26; Deut.
7:15.
5.
Good reputation. Deut. 4:6, 7;
28:10.
6.
Agricultural prosperity. Deut. 7:13;
28:3-5.
7.
Military success. Lev. 26:7, 8.
8.
General advancement. Deut. 28:13.
III. Examples of the Fulfillment of
God's Promises
9.
Solomon and Daniel. 1 Kings 10:1,
6, 7; Dan. 1:19, 20; 5:10-12.
10.
Extent of material prosperity.
2 Chron. 1:15.
IV. Israel's and Judah's National
Failure
11. Illustrated. Isa. 5:4.
V. For Our Learning
12.
Recorded for our learning. Rom.
15:4.
13.
A warning to us. Rom. 11:21; Heb.
2:1-3.
14.
God's counsel to believers. 2 Cor.
13:5.
THE LESSON
God's Purpose for Israel
1.
When God delivered Israel from
Egyptian bondage, what was His pur-
pose for them? Ex. 19:5, 6; Deut. 7:6.
NOTE.
-"Through
the Jewish nation it
was God's purpose to impart rich blessings
to all peoples. Through Israel the way was
to be prepared for the diffusion of His light
to the whole world. The nations of the
world, through following corrupt practices,
had lost the knowledge of God. Yet in His
mercy God did not blot them out of exist-
ence. He purposed to give them opportu-
nity for becoming acquainted with Him
through His church. He designed that the
principles revealed through His people
should be the means of restoring the moral
image of God in
man."-Christ's Object
Lessons,
page 286.
2.
Upon what condition was the
fulfillment of that purpose based?
Deut.
26:17-19.
Nora.-"God surrounded Israel with
every facility, gave them every privilege,
that would make them an honor to His
name and a blessing to surrounding na-
tions. If they would walk in the ways of
obedience, He promised to make them 'high
above all nations which He hath made, in
praise, and in name, and in honor.'
"-Ed-
ucation, page 40.
3.
Under what symbol did the
prophet Isaiah represent Israel built
up as an established nation in the
Promised Land? Isa. 5:1, 2 (first part),
7 (first part).
NOTE.
-"To
this people were committed
the oracles of God. They were hedged
about by the precepts of His law, the ever-
lasting principles of truth, justice, and pur-
ity. Obedience to these principles was to
be their protection, for it would save them
from destroying themselves by sinful prac-
tices. And as the tower in the vineyard,
God placed in the midst of the land His
holy temple."-Christ's
Object Lessons,
pages 287, 288.
Blessings Promised to Obedient
Israel
4.
Healthwise, what did God prom-
ise Israel? Ex. 15:26; Deut. 7:15.
[ 4 ]
NoTE.—"Had they been willing to deny
appetite, in obedience to His wise restric-
tions, feebleness and disease would have
been unknown among them. Their de-
scendants would have possessed both physi-
cal and mental
strength."—Patriarchs and
Prophets,
page 378.
5.
How would the surrounding na-
tions regard Israel's intellectual at-
tainments? Deut. 4:6, 7; 28:10.
NoTE.—"If obedient to His requirements,
they were to be placed far in advance of
other peoples in wisdom and understand-
ing; but this supremacy was to be reached
and maintained only in order that through
them the purpose of God for 'all nations
of the earth' might be fulfilled."—Proph-
ets
and Kings,
pages 368, 369.
6.
What did God promise Israel
regarding their efforts in agriculture
and animal husbandry? Deut. 7:13;
28:3-5.
NOTE.—"If they would keep His com-
mandments, God promised to give them
the finest of the wheat, and bring them
honey out of the rock. . . . If God's peo-
ple followed His instruction, their land
would be restored to fertility and beauty.
God Himself gave them directions in regard
to the culture of the soil, and they were to
cooperate with Him in its restoration. Thus
the whole land, under God's control, would
become an object lesson of spiritual truth.
As in obedience to His natural laws the
earth should produce its treasures, so in
obedience to His moral law the hearts of the
people were to reflect the attributes of His
character. Even the heathen would recog-
nize the superiority of those who served
and worshiped the living
God."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
page 289.
7.
From a military point of view,
what was God's promise to Israel?
Lev. 26:7, 8. Compare Deut. 32:30.
8.
Generally, what was Israel's
position to be among the nations?
Deut. 28:13.
NoTE.—"Theis obedience to the law of
God would make them marvels of pros-
perity before the nations of the world. He
who could give them wisdom and skill in
all cunning work would continue to be their
teacher, and would ennoble and elevate
them through obedience to His laws. If
obedient, they would be preserved from the
diseases that afflicted other nations, and
would be blessed with vigor of intellect.
The glory of God, His majesty and power,
were to be revealed in all their prosperity.
They were to be a kingdom of priests and
princes. God furnished them with every
facility for becoming the greatest nation on
the
earth."—Christ's Object Lessons,
page
288.
Examples of the Fulfillment of
God's Promises
9.
How was God's promise to be-
stow wisdom upon Israel fulfilled?
1 Kings 10:1, 6, 7; Dan. 1:19,
20; 5:
10-12.
NorE.—"In acquiring the wisdom of the
Babylonians, Daniel and his companions
were far more successful than their fellow
students; but their learning did not come
by chance. They obtained their knowledge
by the faithful use of their powers, under
the guidance of the Holy Spirit. They
placed themselves in connection with the
Source of all wisdom, making the knowl-
edge of God the foundation of their educa-
tion. In faith they prayed for wisdom,
and they lived their prayers. They placed
themselves where God could bless them.
. . . They sought to acquire knowledge for
one purpose—that they might honor God.
They realized that in order to stand as
representatives of true religion amid the
false religions of heathenism they must have
clearness of intellect and must perfect a
Christian character. And God Himself was
their teacher. Constantly praying, con-
scientiously studying, keeping in touch with
the Unseen, they walked with God as did
Enoch."—Prophets and Kings,
page 486.
10.
In the early part of Solomon's
reign, what evidence of material pros-
perky existed? 2 Chron. 1:15.
5
Israel's and Judah's National
Failure
11.
How was Israel's failure to ful-
fill the divine purpose set forth in the
parable of the vineyard? Isa. 5:4.
Compare Jer. 2:21.
NOTE.—"As a people, the Jews had failed
of fulfilling God's purpose, and the vine-
yard was taken from them. The privileges
they had abused, the work they had
slighted, was entrusted to others."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
page 296.
"When God has chosen a nation or called
a man, the truth of His government is made
real through the nation or through the
man, either by failure or by success. If the
nation be obedient, there follows the reve-
lation to other nations of the grace and
tenderness of the divine government in the
realization of life at its highest and best;
such realization resulting from such obedi-
ence. Had Israel fulfilled the purpose of
God in the midst of the nations they would
have seen in her prosperity, in her blessing,
how good and gracious a thing the govern-
ment of God is. Israel failed to bear that
testimony to the nations."—G. Campbell
Morgan,
Living Messages of the Books of
the Bible,
"Micah," page 244.
For Our Learning
12.
Why are the failures of Israel
and Judah recorded in Holy Writ?
Rom. 15:4. Compare 1 Cor. 10:11;
2 Tim. 3:16, 17.
NOTE.—"In every age, for the sake of
those who have remained true, as well as
because of His infinite love for the erring,
God has borne long with the rebellious, and
has urged them to forsake their course of
evil and return to Him. 'Precept upon pre-
cept; line upon line, . . . here a little, and
there a little,' through men of His appoint-
ment, He has taught transgressors the way
of righteousness."—Prophets
and Kings,
pages 324, 325.
13.
If ancient Israel did not escape
the result of their sins, what will be
the fate of the church today if it dis-
regards God's expressed will? Rom.
11:21; Heb. 2:1-3.
"Christ will not permit one
selfish person to enter the
courts of
heaven."—Counsels
on Stewardship,
page 26.
14.
What pertinent counsel did the
apostle Paul give Christians? 2 Cor.
13:5.
NOTE.—"Those who have no time to give
attention to their own souls, to examine
themselves daily whether they be in the
love of God, and place themselves in the
channel of light, will have time to give to
the suggestions of Satan, and the working
out of his plans.
"Satan will insinuate himself by little
wedges, that widen as they make a place
for themselves. The specious devices of
Satan will be brought into the special work
of God at this time."—Ellen G. White Com-
ments,
The S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
vol.
6, p. 1107.
The teacher's edition of the "Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly"
is a valuable aid to every Sabbath school teacher because every
other page is blank, providing space for writing out texts, notes,
comments, etc. Ask your Sabbath school secretary to secure one for
you along with the order for regular "Quarterlies."
[s]
Lesson 2, for July 13, 1963
Hosea-The Prophet of Love
MEMORY VERSE:
"I will heal their backsliding,
I
will love them freely: for Mine
anger is turned away from him." Hosea
14:4.
STUDY HELPS:
Hosea
1
to 3; "Prophets and Kings," pages 279-285; "S.D.A. Bible
Dictionary," "Hosea, Book of;" "The S.D.A. Bible Commentary," Introduction to
Hosea and comments on Scripture references.
LESSON AIM:
To show that our God of love is willing to accept and restore any
repentant sinner, provided he responds to the wooing of the Holy Spirit and
consents to renounce his sinful ways.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey;
learn the memory verse.
❑
Sunday: Questions 1-5.
❑
Monday: Questions 6-9.
❑
Tuesday: Questions 10, 11; begin
reading study helps.
❑
Check Here
Wednesday: Questions 12-14;
read further from study helps.
0
Thursday: Finish reading study
helps; begin review.
0
Friday: Finish reviewing entire
lesson.
❑
Lesson Outline:
Historical Setting and Theme
L Hosea's Marital Experience
1.
The command to marry. Hosea
1:2.
2.
Gomer's children. Hosea 1:3, 4, 6,
8, 9.
3.
Gomer's unfaithfulness. Hosea
2:2, 5.
4.
Hosea redeems Gomer.
Hosea 3:1, 2.
5.
Marriage relationship reestablished.
Hosea 3:3.
II. Israel's Spiritual Adultery
6.
Alliances with heathen nations.
Hosea 5:13; 7:11; 12:1.
7.
Idolatry and adultery. Hosea
4:12-14.
III. God's Yearning for Israel
8.
Reluctant to let her perish. Hosea
11:8.
9.
Desires to be her King. Hosea 10:
12; 13:9, 10; 14:1.
IV. Israel's Nature
10.
Wayward. Hosea 4:16; 6:4;
11:7.
11.
Joined to idols. Hosea 4:17.
V. God's Plan for Repentant Israel
12.
To heal her backsliding. Hosea
14:4.
13.
To make her flourish. Hosea
14:5, 6, 8.
14.
To teach her lessons. Hosea 14:9.
THE LESSON
Historical Setting and Theme
"The prophet Hosea was a citizen of the
northern kingdom of Israel, whose ruler,
Jeroboam II, is called by the prophet, 'our
king' (chs. 1:1; 7:5). A comparison be-
tween some of his prophecies and those of
Amos indicates that Hosea was a younger
I 7 I
contemporary of Amos. . . . However, all
his messages were addressed to the northern
nation.
"The book makes no reference to the fall
of Samaria, which took place in 723/22
Lc., and it can therefore be concluded that
the prophet's last message was given prior
to Samaria's destruction. For these reasons
his ministry can be dated from about 755
(or earlier) to about 725 B.c."—The
S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
vol. 4, p. 20.
"The dominant theme of the book of
Hosea is the love of God for His erring
children. The experiences through which
the prophet passed in his family life, and
the feelings of his own heart toward his
faithless wife, gave him a glimpse into the
boundless depths of the Father's love for
His people."—Ibid., p. 886.
Hosea's Marital Experience
1. What kind of woman was Hosea
commanded to marry? Hosea 1:2.
NoTE.—Certain commentators "observe
that the narrative by no means establishes
that Gomer was of questionable character
when Hosea married her, since the phrase
`of whoredoms' may simply describe her
ancestry, not necessarily her personal char-
acter, or may proleptically [in anticipation]
describe the woman's future status. That
she later became unfaithful appears clear
(ch. 3:1-3). However, the precise time of
her fall is not clearly pointed out."—The
S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
on Hosea 1:2.
"I can quite believe that in this age when
we are afraid to handle things as they
ought to be handled, there are those who
dislike the prophecy of Hosea. Neverthe-
less its message is a living one, and needs
emphatic statement. He declared to the
people of God that the relation existing be-
tween them and God was most perfectly
symbolized in the sacred relationship of
marriage; and therefore that their sin
against God was that of infidelity, unfaith-
fulness to love. The prophet learned the
truth through the tragic and awful experi-
ence of his own domestic life."—G. Camp-
bell Morgan,
Living Messages of the Books
of the Bible,
"Hosea," page 168.
2.
How many children were born
to Gomer? What were their names
and the meaning of their names?
Hosea 1:3, 4, 6, 8, 9.
NOTE.—The meaning of the names of
Gomer's children is as follows: Jezreel,
"God will scatter;" Loruhamah, "pitied"
or "not having received a companion;"
Loammi, "not My people."
3.
What experience of Gomer did
Hosea use as an illustration of Israel's
waywardness? Hosea 2:2, 5.
NOTE.—"Of the three children born, only
of the first, Jezreel, is it said that he was
born to 'him,' that is, to Hosea."—The
S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
on Hosea 1:2.
"The prophet is believed to have used
throughout ch. 2 the actual experiences of
his unfaithful wife as a representation of
unfaithful Israel. Since Israel had com-
mitted spiritual adultery with idols, she had
naturally ceased to be the spouse of God.
She was no longer united to Him by faith
and love, and so God disowned her. Hosea
depicts in ch. 2 God's deep sorrow because
of Israel's unfaithfulness."—Ibid., on Hosea
2:2.
4.
After a time, what did the Lord
command Hosea to do? Hosea 3:1, 2.
NOTE.—"Though not specifically stated
here, the reference is undoubtedly to
Hosea's former wife. Only by regarding
the narrative in this light does the experi-
ence become an effective illustration of
God's love for wayward Israel and His
willingness to renew His covenant with
her."—The
S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
on
Hosea 3:1.
5.
After Gomer's return to Hosea,
what was their marital relationship?
Hosea 3:3.
"In the Bible the sacred and enduring
character of the relation that exists between
8
Christ and His church is represented by the
union of marriage. The Lord has joined
His people to Himself by a solemn cove-
nant, He promising to be their God, and
they pledging themselves to be His and His
alone. He declares, 'I will betroth thee
unto Me forever; yea, I will betroth thee
unto Me in righteousness, and in judgment,
and in loving-kindness, and in mercies.' "
—The Great Controversy,
page 381.
"God's plan of life has a
place for every human being.
Each is to improve his tal-
ents to the utmost; and faith-
fulness in doing this, be the
gifts few or many, entitles
one to
honor."—Education,
page 226.
Israel's Spiritual Adultery
6.
What did Israel do in an at-
tempt to remedy its spiritual impo-
tence? Hosea 5:13; 7:11; 12:1.
NOTE.—Ephraim in these texts is synony-
mous with the kingdom of Israel. "Some
of the leaders in Israel felt keenly their loss
of prestige, and wished that this might be
regained. But instead of turning away
from those practices which had brought
weakness to the kingdom, they continued
in iniquity, flattering themselves that when
occasion arose, they would attain to the
political power they desired by allying
themselves with the heathen."—Prophets
and Kings,
page 280.
7.
To what condition did Israel de-
scend? Hosea 4:12-14.
God's Yearning for Israel
8.
How does Hosea reveal God's
reluctance to let Israel reap the result
of her sins? Hosea 11:8. Compare
Gen. 19:24, 25; Deut. 29:23.
NoTE.—"Despite the efforts of Satan to
thwart God's purpose for Israel, neverthe-
less even in some of the darkest hours of
their history, when it seemed as if the forces
of evil were about to gain the victory, the
Lord graciously revealed Himself. He spread
before Israel the things that were for the
welfare of the nation. 'I have written to
him the great things of My law,' He de-
clared through Hosea, 'but they were
counted as a strange thing.'
"—Prophets
and Kings,
page 296.
9.
What was God willing to do for
sinful Israel? Hosea 10:12; 13:9, 10;
14:1.
NOTE.—"The prophet makes one last ap-
peal to his people to forsake their iniquity
and turn to the Lord. It was not yet too
late. But the day of opportunity was fast
slipping away. The war clouds were dark-
ening on the eastern horizon. Assyria was
at the zenith of its power and its imperial-
istic ambitions were soon to engulf the
idol-mad, vice-intoxicated nation of Israel.
Inasmuch as the prophetic ministry of
Hosea extended to the reign of Hezekiah
(ch. 1:1) and, the fall of Samaria came in
the 6th year of that king's reign (2 Kings
18:9, 10), it is possible that this final
message was delivered shortly before the
final day of doom."—The
S.D.A. Bible
Commentary,
on Hosea 14:1.
Israel's Nature
10.
How does Hosea describe
Israel's wayward nature? Hosea 4:16;
6:4; 11:7.
NOTE.—"Rather than follow the com-
mandments of God, the people obeyed those
of men. . . . It is likely that this specifi-
cally refers to the command of Jeroboam I
to worship the calves, when he revolted
from Judah."—The
S.D.A. Bible Commen-
tary,
on Hosea 5:11.
"Through the man of God that had ap-
peared before the altar at Bethel, through
Elijah and Elisha, through Amos and
Hosea, the Lord had repeatedly set, before
[
9
]
the ten tribes the evils of disobedience. But
notwithstanding reproof and entreaty, Israel
had sunk lower and still lower in apostasy.
`Israel slideth back as a backsliding heifer,'
the Lord declared; 'My people are bent to
backsliding from Me.' . . .
" 'Hear the word of the Lord, ye children
of Israel,' was the message that finally came
to them: 'Seeing thou hast forgotten the
law of thy God, I will also forget thy chil-
dren. As they were increased, so they
sinned against Me: therefore will I change
their glory into shame. . . . I will punish
them for their ways, and reward them their
doings.'
"—Prophets and Kings,
page 281.
11. If Israel persisted in disobedi-
ence, what would God finally be
obliged to do? Hosea 4:17.
NOTE.—"What the sin of Israel meant to
God, Hosea learned by the tragedy in his
own home and in his own heart; and with
fierce, hot anger he denounced kings, priests,
and people alike. Thus while he dealt with
the incidental manifestations of sin, the real
message of the prophet had to do with the
central sin of infidelity to the covenant
based upon love. This book, therefore,
brings us to the consciousness that the deep-
est and most awful thing in the realm of
sin is that of doing despite to
love."—Living
Messages of the Books of the Bible,
"Hosea," page 168.
God's Plan for Repentant Israel
12.
What would God have done for
Israel if they had returned to Him?
Hosea 14:4.
13.
What glorious prospect was
held before God's people? Hosea 14:
5, 6, 8.
NorE.—"Yet the permanent message is
of love. Though the pathway of love's
triumph lies through suffering, of which no
man can ever know the measure; though
the cost of the restoration of the faithless
lover be that of the bearing of judgment
by the faithful lover, still love moves right
onward, singing ever the song of the victory
that is to be. We must never forget how
this book of Hosea ends. Ephraim says at
last, 'What have I to do anymore with
idols?' When that word is uttered, the vic-
tory of love is
won."—Living Messages of
the Books of the Bible,
"Hosea," page 172.
14.
What lesson is to be learned
from the book of Hosea? Hosea 14:9.
Lesson 3, for July 20, 1963
Joel—The Prophet of the Day of the Lord
MEMORY VERSE:
"And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the
Lord your God: for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great
kindness, and repenteth Him of the
evil."
Joel 2:13.
STUDY HELPS:
Book of Joel; "S.D.A. Bible Dictionary," "Joel, Book of;" "The S.D.A.
Bible Commentary," Introduction to Joel and comments on Scripture references.
LESSON AIM:
To show that disaster awaits the impenitent sinner, but that repent-
ance before God will avert disaster and restore sinners to the approbation of
God, who will protect His own in the crisis hour prior to His imminent return.
1 10 ]
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey;
Check Here
reading from study helps.
❑
learn the memory verse.
❑
Wednesday: Questions 10-13.
❑
Sunday:
Questions 1-3.
❑
Thursday:
Finish reading study
Monday: Questions 4-7.
❑
helps.
❑
Tuesday:
Questions 8, 9; begin
Friday:
Review entire lesson.
❑
Lesson Outline:
Historical Setting and Theme
I. Israel at the Time of the Locust
Invasion
1.
Extent of the devastation. Joel 1:4,
7, 9, 12, 16, 18.
2.
A condition of drunkenness. Joel
1:5.
3.
A state of dire calamity. Deut.
28:15, 38-40.
4.
A call to repentance. Joel 1:14;
2:12, 13.
5.
A message for all. Joel 2:15, 16.
II. Deliverance in Response to
Repentance
6.
Removal of locust plague. Joel
2:18-20, 22.
7.
Restoration of past losses.
2:23-26.
III. A Righteous People
8.
God in the midst of His people.
Joel 2:27.
9.
Outpouring of God's Spirit. Joel
2:28, 29.
IV. God and His People
10.
He protects against assailing ene-
mies. Joel 3:1, 2, 7.
11.
The nations gather for war. Joel
3:9-12.
12.
God brings judgment upon the na-
tions. Joel 3:13-16.
Joel
13. Restoration follows judgment. Joel
3:17-21.
THE LESSON
Historical Setting and Theme
"Nothing is known of the prophet Joel
beyond the fact that he was the son of
Pethuel (ch. 1:1). His work is character-
ized by skill in the use of language, a well-
balanced syntax, and a lively and impres-
sive poetry. Yet the book contains no
clear indication of the time in which the
prophet lived. It is impossible to date the
devasting plague of locusts that the prophet
so vividly describes and compares with the
terrors of the coming day of judgment.
Scholars differ widely in their views con-
cerning the time of Joel's ministry."—The
S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
vol.
4, pp. 20-21.
"The prophet's message appears in the
form of a sermon or a series of sermons
addressed to all Israel. . . . The theme is
reformation. The message opens with a
stark picture of gloom, but closes with a
brief glimpse of glory."—S.D.A.
Bible Dic-
tionary,
page 583.
Israel at the Time of the Locust
Invasion
1.
How completely had locusts and
worms devastated the land and ruined
the crops? Joel
1:4,
7, 9, 12, 16, 18.
NoTE.—"The meat offering" mentioned
in verse 9 was a cereal offering and might
in today's language rather be called a meal
or flour offering. The locust plague was ap-
parently accompanied by drought. See
verses 10, 20. Therefore neither a cereal
offering nor a drink offering could be pre-
sented to the Lord. Compare verse 13.
2.
What were the social conditions
of God's people at the time of the lo-
cust plague? Joel 1:5.
3.
What had God foretold would
befall His ancient people if they
failed to heed His admonitions? Deut.
28:15, 38-40.
4.
To stay the plague and avert
further destruction, what did the
prophet admonish his people to do?
Joel 1:14; 2:12, 13.
N0TE.—"For a Jew to rend his garment
was a sign of great grief. It signified that
he had encountered some terrible calamity
(Gen. 37:34; Lev. 13:45; 2 Chron. 34:27;
Jer. 36:24). Since, however, it was possible
to exhibit such external signs of grief with-
out any real inward feeling of sorrow, the
people were commanded to avoid such
pretense by rending, instead, their hearts."
—The S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
on Joel
2:13.
"In view of that great day the word of
God, in the most solemn and impressive
language, calls upon His people to arouse
from their spiritual lethargy and to seek
His face with repentance and humiliation:
'Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound
an alarm in My holy mountain: let all the
inhabitants of the land tremble: for the
day of the Lord cometh, for it is nigh at
hand.'
"—The Great Controversy,
page 311.
5.
How comprehensive was the call
for revival? Joel 2:15, 16.
NOTE.—This was a time for heart-search-
ing and repentance before God on the part
of everyone. Those who would normally
be excepted, such as newlyweds and infants,
were not even excluded from this summons.
"Before the overflowing scourge shall
come upon the dwellers of the earth, the
Lord calls upon all who are Israelites in-
deed to prepare for that event. To parents
He sends the warning cry: Gather your
children into your own houses; gather
them away from those who are disregarding
the commandments of God, who are teach-
ing and practicing evil. Get out of the large
cities as fast as possible. Establish church
schools. Give your children the word of
God as the foundation of all their educa-
tion. This is full of beautiful lessons, and
if pupils make it their study in the primary
grade below, they will be prepared for the
higher grade
above."—Testimonies,
vol. 6,
p. 195.
Deliverance in Response to
Repentance
6.
When the people showed a con-
trite spirit, what did God graciously
do for man and beast? Joel 2:18-20,
22. Compare Jonah 4:11.
NOTE.—"The clause reads literally, 'Then
Jehovah became jealous.' It is assumed that
the repentance enjoined had taken place.
Verses 18-32 constitute God's merciful re-
sponse to the urgent appeal of the priests
in the preceding verse. The promises were
conditional, and because the Israelites never
wholeheartedly responded to Joel's appeal,
those promises were never fulfilled for them.
However, certain features of the promises
will be fulfilled in principle in connection
with the Christian church."—The
S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
on Joel 2:18.
7.
How fully and graciously was
God to restore the past losses of His
people in response to their repent-
ance? Joel 2:23-26.
NOTE.—"Let Christians put away their
dissensions, and give themselves to God for
the saving of the lost. Let them in faith
ask for the blessing, and it will come. The
outpouring of the Spirit in apostolic days
was the 'former rain,' and glorious was the
result. But the 'latter rain' will be more
abundant. Joel
2:23."—The Desire of Ages,
page 827.
A Righteous People
8.
In view of this material pros-
perity, what were God's people to
realize? Joel 2:27. Compare Deut.
8:18.
[ 12
NOTE.—"The wondrous workings of God
in the restoration of Israel would give
evidence to those who had been tempted
to believe that God had forsaken His peo-
ple, that God was indeed working for their
good. Even in the plague God had over-
ruled for purposes of mercy to bring about
a much-needed repentance and reform.
Some had interpreted the successes of the
enemy as evidence that the gods of the
heathen were more powerful than Jehovah.
With Israel victorious over her foes, all
would know that Jehovah was indeed God
and 'none else.'
"—The S.D.A. Bible Com-
mentary,
on Joel 2:27.
9.
What spiritual gifts did God
promise to bestow upon His obedient
people? Joel 2:28, 29.
NOTE.—"Because of the failure of the
people, and the consequent rejection of the
Jewish nation, . . . the promises were not
fulfilled to literal Israel. These promises
were transferred to spiritual Israel. Peter
identified the events on the Day of Pente-
cost as a partial fulfillment of Joel's proph-
ecy (Acts 2:16-21). Instead of 'afterward'
Peter used the phrase 'in the last days'
(v. 17)."—The S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
on Joel 2:28.
"If this prophecy of Joel met a partial
fulfillment in the days of the apostles, we
are living in a time when it is to be even
more evidently manifest to the people of
God. He will so bestow His Spirit upon
His people that they will become a light
amid the moral darkness; and great light
will be reflected in all parts of the world.
0 that our faith might be increased, that
the Lord might work mightily with His
people."—Ellen G. White comments,
The
S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
vol. 4, p. 1175.
God and His People
10.
When the enemies of God's
people would assail them, what would
God do? Joel 3:1, 2, 7.
NOTE.—"A spiritually revived people of
Israel, cooperating with God's plan, would
have enjoyed the favor and protection of
Heaven. The blessings promised at the
time of the Exodus (Deut. 28:1-14) would
have met belated fulfillment. The Jewish
nation would have become a marvel of
prosperity and would have conwerted multi-
tudes to the true God. As the numbers
increased, Israel would have enlarged its
borders until it embraced the world (see
COL 290). Naturally such a program
would have excited the anger of the heathen
nations. Under the leadership of Satan
these nations would have banded together
to crush the thriving state, and God would
have intervened. . . .
"`As he [Satan] influenced the heathen
nations to destroy Israel, so in the near
future he will stir up the wicked powers of
earth to destroy the people of God' (9T
231; cf. 5T 524; GC 656; 6T 18, 19, 395).
Again God will intervene in behalf of His
people, and at the second coming of Christ
will destroy the wicked (Rev. 19:19-21),
and 1,000 years later annihilate them (Rev.
20:9-15)."—The
S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
on Joel 3:2.
11.
How is the marshaling of the
nations further described? Joel 3:
9-12.
12.
What will God do with the
nations that assemble in "the valley
of decision"? Joel 3:13-16.
13.
What will be the glorious ex-
perience of God's people after divine
judgment is meted out to the nations?
Joel 3:17-21.
"There is no limit to the use-
fulness of one who, putting
self aside, makes room for
the working of the Holy
Spirit upon his heart and
lives a life wholly consecra-
ted to God."—The
Ministry
of Healing,
page 159.
[
13 ]
Lesson 4, for July 27, 1963
Amos—The Layman Prophet
MEMORY VERSE:
"For, lo, I will command, and I will sift the house of Israel among
all nations, like as corn is sifted in a sieve, yet shall not the least grain fall
upon the earth." Amos 9:9.
STUDY HELPS:
Book of Amos; "Prophets and Kings," pages 286-300; "S.D.A. Bible
Dictionary," "Amos, Book of;" "The S.D.A. Bible Commentary," Introduction to
Amos and comments on Scripture references.
LESSON AIM:
To awaken us to our responsibility, for, like Israel of old, we are
God's depositories of truth.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey;
learn the memory verse.
Sunday: Questions 1, 2; begin
reading study helps.
Monday: Questions 3-5.
Check Here
Tuesday: Questions 6-8.
❑
Wednesday: Questions 9-11.
❑
Thursday: Questions 12, 13; Read
study helps.
❑
Friday: Review entire lesson.
0
Lesson Outline:
Historical Setting and Theme
I. God's Love and Care for Israel
1.
In malting
her a nation. Amos
2:9, 10.
2.
In relation to other nations. Amos
3:1, 2.
II. Social and Moral Condition of
Israel
3.
Oppression of the poor. Amos 2:6,
7 (first part) ; 4:1; 5:11, 12.
4.
Immorality and drunkenness. Amos
2:7 (last part), 8, 12; 6:4, 6.
5.
Adjustment
to legal injustice. Amos
5:7; 6:3, 12 (last part) ; 5:10, 13.
III. Israel's Ritual Righteousness
6. Faulty Sabbath observance. Amos
8:5.
IV.
V.
7.
Desired "the day of the Lord."
Amos 5:18-20.
8.
Ceremonial formalism. Amos
5:21-23.
God's Efforts to Arouse His People
9.
By drought and famine. Amos
4:6-9.
10.
By other calamities. Amos 4:10-12.
11.
By the prophet Amos. Amos 1:1;
7:10-15.
Cause and Effect
12.
Punishment follows sin. Amos
3:1, 2; 8:7-10; 9:8, 10.
13.
Mercy and salvation offered the re-
pentant. Amos 5:4, 14, 15; 9:9-15.
THE LESSON
Historical Setting and Theme
"Amos presents himself to his readers as
a 'herdman' and a 'gatherer of sycamore
fruit' (chs. 1:1; 7:14). In the introduction
to his book he declares that he worked un-
der the kings Uzziah of Judah and Jero-
boam II of Israel. Since only these two
kings are mentioned, Amos seems to have
prophesied during the time when both kings
[14
]
were sole rulers in their respective king-
doms. Uzziah was sole king over Judah
from 767 to 750 [n.c.], and Jeroboam over
Israel from 782 to 753 [B.c.]. The ministry
of Amos may therefore have fallen in the
years 767-753 B.c."—The
S.D.A. Bible Com-
mentary,
vol. 4, p. 21.
"The chief purpose of Amos was to call
the attention of God's people to their sins,
and if possible to bring them to repent-
ance."—Ibid.,
p. 954.
God's Love and Care for Israel
1.
In their early history how had
God manifested His love and care for
Israel? Amos 2:9, 10. Compare Josh.
9:9, 10; Gen. 15:16.
2.
What had been Israel's peculiar
relationship to God, as compared
with that of other nations? Amos
3:1, 2. Compare Ex. 19:5; Deut. 4:20.
Social and Moral Condition of
Israel
3.
In the time of Amos, what was
the attitude of prosperous Israelites
toward the poor? Amos 2:6, 7 (first
part); 4:1; 5:11, 12.
Norn.—"Against the marked oppression,
the flagrant injustice, the unwonted lux-
ury and extravagance, the shameless feast-
ing and drunkenness, the gross licentious-
ness and debauchery, of their age, the
prophets lifted their voices; but in vain
were their protests, in vain their denuncia-
tion of
sin."—Prophets and Kings,
page
282.
4.
To what other practices were
they addicted, indicating their low
moral standing? Amos 2:7 (last part),
8, 12; 6:4, 6.
NOTE.—"With the defenses of the soul
broken down, the misguided worshipers had
no barrier against sin and yielded them-
selves to the evil passions of the human
heart."—Prophets and Kings,
page 282.
"The iniquity in Israel during the last
half century before the Assyrian captivity
was like that of the days of Noah, and
of every other age when men have re-
jected God and have given themselves
wholly to evil-doing."—Ibid., p. 281.
5.
At what level was legal justice
at this time, and how had prudent
Israelites apparently adjusted them-
selves to the prevailing conditions?
Amos 5:7; 6:3, 12 (last part); 5:10, 13.
NOTE.—"The closing years of the ill-
fated kingdom of Israel were marked with
violence and bloodshed such as had never
been witnessed even in the worst periods
of strife and unrest under the house of
Ahab. For two centuries and more the
rulers of the ten tribes had been sowing
the wind; now they were reaping the whirl-
wind."—Prophets and Kings,
page 279.
Israel's Ritual Righteousness
6.
How did their avarice cause
them to violate the Sabbath command-
ment? Amos 8:5.
NOTE.—"Here is a striking example of a
formal observance of sacred institutions,
with no true spirit of devotion. In their
selfishness these apostates begrudged the
time their religious formalism demanded
of them. Such worship becomes a curse in-
stead of a blessing."—The
S.D.A. Bible
Commentary,
on Amos 8:5.
"When the Sabbath commences, we
should place a guard upon ourselves, upon
our acts and our words, lest we rob God
by appropriating to our own use that time
which is strictly the Lord's. . . . God re-
quires not only that we refrain from physi-
cal labor upon the Sabbath, but that the
mind be disciplined to dwell upon sacred
themes. The fourth commandment is vir-
tually transgressed by conversing upon
worldly things or by engaging in light and
trifling conversation. Talking upon any-
thing or everything which may come into
the mind is speaking our own words. Every
16
deviation from right brings us into bond-
age and condemnation. . . .
"Those who are not fully converted to
the truth frequently let their minds run
freely upon worldly business, and, although
they may rest from physical toil upon the
Sabbath, their tongues speak out what is in
their minds; hence these words concerning
cattle, crops, losses, and gains. All this is
Sabbath breaking. If the mind is running
upon worldly matters, the tongue will re-
veal it; for out of the abundance of the
heart the mouth
speaketh."—Testimonies,
vol.
2, pp. 702, 703.
7.
Despite their sinful deeds, for
what did the people apparently hope?
Amos 5:18-20.
NOTE.—"He spoke . . . to the people
who were always talking about 'the day of
the Lord' and sighing for it. These he told
that they did not know `the day of the
Lard,' for it would be to them a day of
vengeance, of punishment, of judgment."—
G. Campbell Morgan,
Living Messages of
the Books of the Bible,
"Amos," page 205.
8.
How did God look upon their
ceremonial formalism? Amos 5:21-23.
NOTE.—"Faithfulness in the mere exter-
nals of religion will not win divine favor in
the time of judgment. Worship can no
more be evaluated merely by the order and
beauty of its outward form than can the
dietary value of a fruit be determined
merely by its size and color.
"In view of their evil lives, these feasts
were but an expression of Israel's hypoc-
risy."—The
S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
on
Amos 5:21.
God's Efforts to Arouse His People
9.
In an appeal to Israel, how had
God used conditions in nature? Amos
4:6-9. Compare Deut. 28:23, 24.
NOTE.—"God had permitted famine,
drought, blight, pestilence, and disaster, but
Israel `yet' refused to return to the true
God. When the words of God prove in-
sufficient, they are followed by acts of
chastisement. However, these afflictions
have brought no good results."—The
S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
on Amos 4:6.
10.
What other calamities had God
permitted to afflict them so as to
awaken them to their dire need?
Amos 4:10-12. Compare Deut. 28:21,
27, 60.
Nora.—"God tries every means possible
to save us before He proceeds to extreme
measures. If benefits are not recognized,
He sends chastisements. These aim, not at
destruction, but at opening the eyes of the
transgressors so men may see God, and re-
pent. Therefore, God's judgments are as
much tokens of His grace as they are proofs
of His wrath."—The
S.D.A. Bible Com-
mentary,
on Amos 4:12.
11.
What was Amos's background,
and who tried to prevent him from
fulfilling God's mission? Amos 1:1;
7:10-15.
NOTE.—"So contrary to the evil desires
of the impenitent were the words of God's
messengers, that the idolatrous priest at
Bethel sent to the ruler in Israel, saying,
`Amos hath conspired against thee in the
midst of the house of Israel: the land is not
able to bear all his words.'
"—Prophets and
Kings,
page 284.
Cause and Effect
12.
Despite God's special favor to
Israel, what would be the inevitable
result of their sin? Amos 3:1, 2; 8:7-
10; 9: 8, 10.
NOTE.—"Because of their high privileges
and the abundant light that the Lord had
permitted to shine upon their pathway, He
would particularly punish Israel for their
iniquities. The more clearly we know our
spiritual kinship with God, the more rep-
[
1s]
rehensible it is to reject God, and the more
deserving the consequences for such action.
Great privileges must not be abused, else
they will bring upon us great penalties."---
The S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
on Amos
3:2.
13. Although punishment would
come to unrepentant sinners, what did
God promise to do for those who
would heed His message? Amos 5:4,
14, 15; 9:9-15.
NoTE.—"The prophecies of judgment de-
livered by Amos and Hosea were accom-
panied by predictions of future glory.. . .
"In symbolic language Hosea set before
the ten tribes God's plan of restoring to
every penitent soul who would unite with
His church on earth, the blessings granted
Israel in the days of their loyalty to Him
in the Promised Land. . . .
" 'In that day.' . . . From 'every nation,
and kindred, and tongue, and people' there
will be some who will gladly respond to
the message, 'Fear God, and give glory to
Him; for the hour of His judgment is
come.' They will turn from every idol that
binds them to earth, and will 'worship
Him that made heaven, and earth, and the
sea, and the fountains of waters.' They will
free themselves from every entanglement
and will stand before the world as monu-
ments of God's mercy. Obedient to the
divine requirements, they will be recognized
by angels and by men as those that have
kept 'the commandments of God, and the
faith of Jesus.'
"—Prophets and Kings,
pages 298-300.
"God tests us here, by com-
mitting to us temporal pos-
sessions, that our use of these
may show whether we can be
entrusted with eternal
riches."—Counsels on Stew-
ardship,
page 22.
Lesson 5, for August 3, 1963
Obadiah—The Prophet of Doom
MEMORY VERSE:
"For the day of the Lord is near upon all the heathen: as thou
hast done, it shall be done unto thee: thy reward shall return upon thine own
head." Obad. 15.
STUDY HELPS:
Book of Obadiah; Jer. 49:7-22
;
Ezekiel 35; "S.D.A. Bible Diction-
ary," "Obadiah, Book of;" "The S.D.A. Bible Commentary," Introduction to
Obadiah and comments on Scripture references.
LESSON AIM:
To show that pride, haughtiness, and mercilessness toward the un-
fortunate will ultimately result in the same to the perpetrator of these deeds,
and that the downtrodden, if true to God, will eventually be vindicated.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey
;
learn the memory verse.
Sunday: Questions 1-4.
Monday: Questions 5, 6; begin
reading study helps.
0
Check Here
Tuesday: Questions 7-10.
Wednesday: Questions 11-13; Read
further from study helps.
0
Thursday: Finish reading study
helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
[ 17 ]
Lesson Outline:
Historical Setting and Theme
I. Edom's Historic Hatred Toward
Judah
1.
Conflict foreshadowed. Gen. 25:
21-23.
2.
How hatred was manifested. Num.
20:14-21; Amos 1:11.
II. Edom's Attitude at Time of Judah's
Overthrow
3.
Violence against Judah. Obad. 12.
4.
Cruelty to fleeing Jews. Obad. 10,
11, 13, 14; Ezek. 35:5; Ps. 137:7.
III. Pride and Its Results Upon the
Edomites
5.
The cardinal sin. Obad. 3, 4.
6.
The source and results of pride. Isa.
14:12-14; Matt. 23:12 ; Prov. 16:18.
IV. Doom Upon Edom
7.
Heathen summoned to the battle.
Obad. 1, 2.
8.
Compared with other calamities.
Obad. 5.
9.
Complete. Obad. 6, 9, 18.
10.
Attitude of her former allies.
Obad. 7.
V. Ultimate Reward
11.
Accounts balanced. Obad. 15.
12.
Judgments on all heathen. Obad. 16.
13.
Zion's experience. Obad. 17, 19-21.
THE LESSON
Historical Setting and Theme
"The short book of Obadiah, consisting
of only 21 verses, is not dated and its chron-
ological setting is uncertain. Obadiah's
prophecy, directed against Edom, presup-
poses that a looting of Jerusalem and a
carrying away of many Jews into captivity
had recently taken place. Some believe
that the prophet refers to the conquest of
Jerusalem at the time of King Jehoram
(2 Kings 8:20-22; 2 Chron. 21:8-10, 16,
17) in the 9th century; others believe that
the prophet is speaking of Jerusalem's de-
struction by Nebuchadnezzar in 586 B.c."-
The S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
vol. 4, p.
22.
"The similarity of Obadiah's denuncia-
tion of Edom to that of Jeremiah (Jer. 49:
7-22) and that of Ezekiel (Eze. 25:12-14;
35; cf. Ps. 137:7) has been urged as sup-
porting the later date.. . .
"The book describes the punishment that
is to come upon Edom for its cruel at-
titude toward Judah in a time of crisis, and
the ultimate triumph of God's people and
kingdom."-/bid., p. 987.
Edom's Historic Hatred Toward
Judah
1. How was the conflict between the
descendants of Esau and Jacob fore-
shadowed before their birth? Gen.
25:21-23.
NOTE.
-"Jacob
and Esau, the twin sons
of Isaac, present a striking contrast, both
in character and in life. This unlikeness
was foretold by the angel of God before
their birth. When in answer to Rebekah's
troubled prayer he declared that two sons
would be given her, he opened to her their
future history, that each would become the
head of a mighty nation, but that one
would be greater than the other, and that
the younger would have the preeminence."
-Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 177.
2. How did this hatred between the
descendants of Esau and Jacob mani-
fest itself? Num. 20:14-21; Amos
1:11.
NOTE.
-"It is Edom's unbrotherly at-
titude toward the descendants of Jacob,
from the time of Esau till the time of Amos,
rather than any specific acts, that the
prophet condemns (Num. 20:14-21; cf.
Deut. 2:2-8; 23:7; 2 Kings 8:20-22; 2
Chron. 28:16, 17). The whole prophecy of
Obadiah is against Edom (see also Eze.
25:12-14; 35; Joel 3:19). It is bad to hate
an enemy, worse to hate a friend, and still
worse to hate a brother."-The
S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
on Amos 1:11.
[
181
broad road. They choose to rebel against
God's government, notwithstanding His
great mercy and compassion in giving His
Son to die for them. Those who do not
choose to accept of the salvation so dearly
purchased, must be punished. But I saw
that God would not shut them up in hell
to endure endless misery, neither will He
take them to heaven; for to bring them
into the company of the pure and holy
would make them exceedingly miserable.
But He will destroy them utterly and cause
them to be as if they had not been; then
His justice will be satisfied."—Early
Writ-
ings,
page 221.
10.
What was the attitude of
Edom's former allies in the day of
her visitation? Obad. 7.
NOTE.—"By the cooperation of the very
forces in which Edom takes pride, God is
working for Edom's destruction. Edom
declares: I can do without God. I will be
confederate with other men, will enter into
political arrangements with them, and in-
ternational treaties shall exist between us,
and thus I shall be safe. God replies: I will
bring thee to the dust, and I will do it
through the men in whom you are putting
your trust. The very forces on which you
depend are working together with Me, not
for your making, but for your destruction."
—Living Messages of the Books of the
Bible,
"Obadiah," pages 221, 222.
Ultimate Reward
11.
On what basis would accounts
be balanced? Obad. 15.
NOTE.—"In the word of God . . . it is
shown that the strength of nations, as of
individuals, is not found in the opportuni-
ties or facilities that appear to make them
invincible; it is not found in their boasted
greatness. It is measured by the fidelity
with which they fulfill God's purpose."-
-Prophets and Kings,
page 502.
12.
Who would share Edom's fate?
Obad. 16.
13.
What would be the experience
of the people of Zion during the
calamities that would befall Edom?
Obad. 17, 19-21.
NOTE.—"Obadiah closes his prophecy on
a triumphant note with the assurance of
full and complete redemption for Zion. Mt.
Zion is contrasted with the mount of Esau,
God's holy mount with the mountains of
human pride. . . .
"Shall be the Lord's.
A fitting climax to
Obadiah's prophetic message as indeed to
the record of human history. The day is
coming when the pronouncement will go
forth, 'The kingdoms of this world are be-
come the kingdoms of our Lord, and of
His Christ; and He shall reign forever and
ever' (Rev.
11:15)."—The S.D.A. Bible
Commentary,
on Obad. 21.
"The student should learn to
view the word as a whole,
and to see the relation of its
parts. He should gain a
knowledge of its grand cen-
tral theme, of God's original
purpose for the world, of the
rise of the great controversy,
and of the work of redemp-
tion."—Education, page 190.
PREPARE NOW FOR THIRTEENTH SABBATH
ON SEPTEMBER 28
[ 20 ]
Lesson 6, for August 10, 1963
Jonah—The Wayward Prophet
MEMORY VERSE: "As I
live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of
the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye
from your evil ways; for why will ye die?" Ezek. 33:11.
STUDY HELPS:
Book of Jonah; "Prophets and Kings," pages 265-278; "S.D.A. Bible
Dictionary," "Jonah, Book of;" "The S.D.A. Bible Commentary," Introduction to
Jonah and comments on Scripture references.
LESSON AIM:
To show that salvation is the result of humble repentance before
a merciful God.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey;
reading study helps.
E]
learn the memory verse.
0
Wednesday: Questions 10-13.
❑
Sunday: Questions 1-3.
0
Thursday: Finish reading study
Monday: Questions 4-7.
0
helps.
Tuesday: Questions 8, 9; begin
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
Historical Setting and Theme
I. Jonah's Commission
1.
God's need of messengers. Rom.
10:14, 15, 17.
2.
Jonah as God's mouthpiece. Jonah
1:1, 2 (first part) ; 3:1, 2.
3.
Size of city and moral character of
Ninevites. Jonah 4:11; 3:3 (last
part) ; 1:2 (last part).
II. God's Long-Suffering With Wayward
Jonah
4.
Jonah's first response. Jonah 1:3,
first part.
5.
Circumstances favoring flight.
Jonah 1:3, last part.
6.
Jonah's disobedience. Jonah 1:4-7.
7. Jonah miraculously preserved.
Jonah 1:11-17; 2:10; 3:3.
III. Results of Jonah's Preaching
8. Repentance of Ninevites. Jonah
3:4-9.
9. God's gracious acceptance. Jonah
3:10.
IV. God's Patient Attempt to Change
Jonah's Attitude
10. Jonah's petulance. Jonah 4:1, 3.
11. Jonah's grief over the withered
gourd. Jonah 4:5-9.
12. God's solicitousness for Nineveh.
Jonah 4:10, 11.
13. God's desire for every sinner.
Ezek. 33:11; 18:23; 2 Peter 3:9;
1 Tim. 2:4.
THE LESSON
Historical Setting and Theme
"The prophet Jonah was a Galilean from
Gath-hepher. His book contains no direct
data to establish the time of his mission to
Nineveh. However, 2 Kings 14:25 states
that Jonah also pronounced a prophecy
concerning the expansion of Israel that was
fulfilled by Jeroboam II. This prophecy
must have been pronounced either before
Jeroboam came to the throne (approxi-
mately 793 B.c.) or during the early years
of his reign. Hence, Jonah was probably
the earliest of the prophets under discus-
sion."—The
S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
vol.
4, p. 22.
"Among the lessons taught by Jonah's
prophecy is the truth that God's grace
brings salvation to all (Titus 2:11), that
it was indeed not confined to the Jews,
but was also to be revealed among the
heathen. God has 'also to the Gentiles
granted repentance unto life' (Acts 11:18)."
—Ibid.,
p. 996.
Jonah's Commission
1.
In order to fulfill His purpose
for mankind, what does God need?
Rom. 10:14, 15, 17.
2.
Whom did God commission to
carry His message of mercy to Nine-
veh? Jonah 1:1, 2 (first part); 3:1, 2.
NOTE.—"The lesson is for God's mes-
sengers today, when the cities of the nations
are as verily in need of a knowledge of the
attributes and purposes of the true God as
were the Ninevites of old. Christ's am-
bassadors are to point men to the nobler
world, which has largely been lost sight
of."—Prophets and Kings,
page 274.
3.
What kind of city was Nineveh
with reference to population and the
moral character of its inhabitants?
Jonah 4:11; 3:3 (last part); 1:2 (last
part).
NOTE.—"Many commentators have in-
terpreted the reference in Jonah 4:11 to the
120,000 persons who could not discern be-
tween their right hand and their left, as
applying to small children only. . . . It
may be best to interpret ch. 4:11 as refer-
ring to the people who were unable to
distinguish between right and wrong."—
The S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
vol. 4, p.
1001.
"Among the cities of the ancient world
in the days of divided Israel one of the
greatest was Nineveh, the capital of the
Assyrian realm. Founded on the fertile
hank of the Tigris, soon after the dispersion
from the Tower of Babel, it had flourished
through the centuries until it had become
`an exceeding great city of three days'
journey.'
"—Prophets and Kings,
page 265.
God's Long-Suffering With
Wayward Jonah
4.
How did Jonah respond to the
call of God? Jonah 1:3, first part.
NOTE.—"As the prophet thought of, the
difficulties and seeming impossibilities of
this commission, he was tempted to ques-
tion the wisdom of the call. From a human
viewpoint it seemed as if nothing could be
gained by proclaiming such a message in
that proud
city."—Prophets and Kings,
page 266.
5.
How did circumstances initially
favor Jonah's wayward plan? Jonah
1:3, last part. Compare Jer. 23:24; Ps.
139:7-10.
NOTE.—"When he went out from the
presence of the Lord, he went down to
Joppa and found a ship waiting (it is re-
markable
how
accommodating circum-
stances seem to be sometimes when we are
trying to escape responsibility), then he
paid his own fare. There is a fine touch of
honesty about that. We have not always
been so honest. Do not forget, however,
that if we are really commanded by God
the fortuitous concurrence of circumstances,
Joppa, the ship, and the fine independence
of paying our own fare, will not ensure our
reaching Tarshish. The hand of God is still
upon us, and we thank Him that it is so."
—G. Campbell Morgan,
Living Messages
of the Books of the Bible,
"Jonah," pages
238, 239.
6.
How did Jonah's disobedience
jeopardize the lives of others? Jonah
1:4-7.
1
22
1
NoTE.—Although Jonah had been called
by God to be a messenger unto salvation,
by refusing to comply with God's command
he almost became a means of death to his
mariner companions. Compare how the
saving purpose of God was fulfilled in the
experience of Daniel and Paul: Dan. 2:24;
Acts 27:23, 24, 37.
7.
When Jonah was miraculously
preserved alive, what lesson did he
learn? Jonah 1:11-17; 2:10; 3:3.
NOTE.—"At last Jonah had learned that
`salvation belongeth unto the Lord.' Psalm
3:8. With penitence and a recognition of
the saving grace of God, came deliverance."
—Prophets and Kings,
page 269.
Results of Jonah's Preaching
8.
When Jonah finally delivered
his warning to Nineveh, how did the
inhabitants respond? Jonah 3:4-9.
NOTE.—"The message was not in vain.
The cry that rang through the streets of
the godless city was passed from lip to lip
until all the inhabitants had heard the
startling announcement. The Spirit of God
pressed the message home to every heart
and caused multitudes to tremble because
of their sins and to repent in deep humilia-
tion. . . Their doom was averted, the
God of Israel was exalted and honored
throughout the heathen world, and His law
was revered. Not until many years later
was Nineveh to fall a prey to the surround-
ing nations through forgetfulness of God
and through boastful
pride."—Prophets and
Kings,
pages 270, 271.
9.
What did God do when the
Ninevites responded to the divine
message? Jonah 3:10.
NOTE.—"When Nineveh repented, God
repented, and repented because He cannot
change. The Hebrew word here has more
in it than the suggestion of change of mind.
It suggests a sob, a sigh, a breathing of
agony. Yet it dces also suggest change,
and therefore what he said He would do, He
did it not. In the moment when Nineveh
turned from its evil to Him, He straight-
way changed His purpose of judgment.
Nineveh fulfilled its responsibility by obedi-
ence to Him; and His attitude was changed
because He cannot deny Himself, He can-
not be untrue to the central fact of His
nature. Whenever we read that God re-
pented, and we study the context, we shall
find such statement either followed or pre-
ceded by a declaration of the cause, and
the cause is always man's repentance. So
that when a man turns from or repents of
his wickedness, God turns from His purpose
of judgment which in itself was love-in-
spired."—Living
Messages of the Books of
the Bible,
"Jonah," page 232.
God's Patient Attempt to Change
Jonah's Attitude
10.
How did Jonah react to Nine-
veh's repentance? Jonah 4:1, 3.
11.
What development now caused
Jonah grief? Jonah 4:5-9.
12.
How did God use this experi-
ence to impress a lesson upon the
prophet? Jonah 4:10, 11.
NOTE.—God tried to show Jonah that as
he had "pity" on the gourd, so God had
pity on the great city of Nineveh.
"Should not I cover Nineveh? The
thought perfectly harmonizes with the rev-
elation of God suggested in the words which
Jesus uttered over Jerusalem: 'How often
would I have gathered thy children to-
gether, even as a hen gathereth her chickens
under her wings, and ye would not.' The
idea is that of covering them, and so shield-
ing them from danger. Should not I cover
Nineveh, . . . shield it from destroying
forces? In that word we have His attitude
towards sinning cities. That is the source
of missionary endeavor in all the centuries,
123
1
'Should not I have
pity?' "—Living Mes-
sages of the Books of the Bible,
"Jonah,"
page 231.
13. What is God's desire for every
sinner? Ezek. 33:11; 18:23; 2 Peter
3:9; 1 Tim. 2:4.
NOTE.—"The Lord seeks to save, not to
destroy. He delights in the rescue of sin-
ners. 'As I live, saith the Lord God, I have
no pleasure in the death of the wicked.'
Ezekiel 33:11. By warnings and entreaties
He calls the wayward to cease from their
evil-doing, and to turn to Him and live.
He gives His chosen messengers a holy
boldness, that those who hear may fear
and be brought to repentance."—Prophets
and Kings,
page 105.
Do you have several "Invest-
ment" projects? Remember
that 100 percent participa-
tion is our goal. We are
counting on you.
Lesson 7, for August 17, 1963
Micah—The Prophet to the Remnant
MEMORY VERSE:
"Who is a God like unto Thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and pass-
eth by the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He retaineth not His
anger forever, because He delighteth in mercy." Micah 7:18.
STUDY HELPS:
Book of
Micah; "Prophets and Kings," pages 325, 326; "S.D.A.
Bible Dictionary," "Micah, Book of;" "The S.D.A. Bible Commentary," Intro-
duction to Micah and comments on Scripture references.
LESSON AIM:
To show that God's threatenings are matched with promises of for-
giveness to the repentant and His judgments are mingled with mercy.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey;
reading study helps.
1=1
learn the memory verse.
❑
Wednesday:
Questions 10-13.
❑
Sunday: Questions 1-4.
❑
Thursday:
Finish reading study
Monday:
Questions 5-7.
❑
helps.
C7
Tuesday:
Questions 8, 9; begin
Friday:
Review entire lesson.
Lesson
Outline:
Historical Setting and Theme
I. Depravity of God's People
1.
Devising iniquity.
Micah 2:1,
first
part.
2.
Following man's commandments.
Micah 6:16.
3.
Acts of theft and violence. Micah
2:1 (last part), 2.
4.
Man's unprofitable efforts. Micah
6:13-15.
II. The Example of the Leaders
5.
Leaders of Judah hate good. Micah
3:1, 2, first part.
6.
Their addiction to sin. Micah 3:2
(last part), 3, 9-11.
7.
Responsibility for the people.
Micah 3:5.
8.
Perverse leadership punished.
Micah 3:6, 7, 12.
9.
Micah's position. Micah 3:8.
[ 24
Ill. God's Ultimate Plan for a Faithful
11. God forgives and receives. Micah
Remnant
7:18, 19.
10. Micah's confidence in God. Micah
12. Character traits. Micah 6:8.
7:7-9.
13. A glorious future. Micah 4:6-8.
THE LESSON
Historical Setting and Theme
"Micah states that his ministry fell in
the time of the kings Jotham, Ahaz, and
Hezekiah (ch. 1:1). Since Jotham's sole
reign began after the death of his father
Uzziah in 740/39, the initial date for
Micah's prophetic ministry should probably
be placed after that date. He was there-
fore a somewhat younger contemporary of
Isaiah, to whose vocabulary and terminol-
ogy his prophecies show great similarity
(Micah 4:1-4; cf. Isa. 2:2-4). Also, Jere-
miah (ch. 26:18), quoting Micah (ch. 3:12),
testifies that Micah ministered during
Hezekiah's time. All this leads to the con-
clusion that Micah prophesied from about
740 to about 700
B.c."—The S.D.A. Bible
Commentary,
vol. 4, p. 22.
"Two main themes predominate: (1) the
condemnation of the sins of the people and
the consequent chastisement in captivity,
and (2) the deliverance of Israel and the
glory and gladness of the Messianic king-
dom. Throughout the book of Micah
threatening and promise, judgment and
mercy, alternate."—Ibid., p. 1012.
The Depravity of God's People
1. How deep-seated was the de-
pravity of God's professed people in
Micah's day? Micah 2:1, first part.
Compare Gen. 6:5.
NoTE.—There are deliberate or premedi-
tated as well as spontaneous sins. A per-
son may lose his temper and thus commit
a sin of passion on the spur of the mo-
ment. Both alike are sin, but sin of a mo-
mentary passion may not reflect so in-
trinsically evil a character as would a
deliberate sin.
"The mind, the soul, is built up by that
upon which it feeds; and it rests with us
to determine upon what it shall be fed. It
is within the power of everyone to choose
the topics that shall occupy the thoughts
and shape the character. Of every human
being privileged with access to the Scrip-
tures, God says, 'I have written to him the
great things of My law.' Call unto Me, and
I will answer thee, and show thee great
and mighty things, which thou knowest
not.' Hosea 8:12 ; Jeremiah
33:3."—Educa-
tion,
pages 126, 127.
2.
What statement reveals how
they disregarded God's command-
ments? Micah 6:16. Compare 1 Kings
16:25, 26.
NOTE.—"From a worldly standpoint
Omri was a successful ruler. He did a great
deal to bring peace and prosperity to his
troubled land. His name occurs on the
famous Moabite Stone, which records Om-
ri's occupation of Moab. . . . Israel came
to be known to the Assyrians as 'the land
of Omri,' while even Jehu, the extirpator of
the house of Omri, is termed a 'son of
Omri.' . . . But in the Lord's sight Omri
did worse than all the evil kings before him.
In addition to an acceptance of the old
idolatry, he probably went further, and
introduced and encouraged the worship of
the Sidonian Baal. The 'statutes of Omri'
are referred to by Micah (Micah 6:16), in
connection with the 'works of the house of
Ahab,' as symbols of hardened and hope-
less apostasy."—The
S.D.A. Bible Cons-
mentary,
on 1 Kings 16:25.
3.
How were their covert desires
transformed into acts of sin? Micah
2:1 (last part), 2.
4.
What would be the result of
their sinful waywardness? Micah 6:
13-15.
E25
1
The Example of the Leaders
5.
What was the character of the
leaders in Israel at this time? What
should they rather have done? Micah
3:1, 2, first part. Compare Amos 5:
14, 15.
NOTE.—"I was shown how important it
is that the ministers who engage in the
solemn, responsible work of proclaiming
the third angel's message be right. The
Lord is not straitened for means or instru-
ments with which to do His own work. He
can speak at any time, by whom He will,
and His word is powerful and will accom-
plish the thing whereunto it is sent. But if
the truth has not sanctified, made pure and
clean, the hands and heart of him who min-
isters in holy things, he is liable to speak
according to his own imperfect experience ;
and when he speaks of himself, according
to the decisions of his own unsanctified
judgment, his counsel is not then of God,
hut of himself. As he that is called of God
is called to be holy, so he that is approved
and set apart of men must give evidence of
his holy calling and show forth in his
heavenly conversation and conduct that he
is faithful to Him who bath called him."—
Testimonies, vol.
1, p. 261.
6.
What social evils were found
among the leaders? Micah 3:2 (last
part), 3, 9-11.
7.
Who were partially responsible
for the sins of the people of God at
this time? Micah 3:5. Compare Luke
17:1, 2.
NOTE.—"Micah recognizes the place of
delegated authority in the economy of God,
and he spoke to princes, priests, and proph-
ets as to the representatives of the divine
authority. 'The powers that be are or-
dained of God,' declared the Christian
apostle, and so also taught the Hebrew
prophet; and that conception of God's
sovereignty as delegated and exercised
through appointed rulers is discoverable
throughout the prophecy. He traced the
sin and corruption, the sighing and crying,
the agony and tears of the people, to the
misrule of the men in authority."—G.
Campbell Morgan,
Living Messages of the
Books of the Bible,
"Micah," page 246.
8.
What would be the result of the
leaders' misuse of their authority?
Micah 3:6, 7, 12.
9.
What position did Micah take
at this time of apostasy? Micah 3:8.
Compare 2 Tim. 1:7.
NOTE.—"But on the church in its organ-
ized capacity He places a responsibility for
the individual members. Toward those who
fall into sin, the church has a duty, to
warn, to instruct, and if possible to restore.
`Reprove, rebuke, exhort,' the Lord says,
`with all long-suffering and doctrine.' 2
Tim. 4:2. Deal faithfully with wrongdoing.
Warn every soul that is in danger. Leave
none to deceive themselves. Call sin by its
right name. Declare what God has said in
regard to lying, Sabbath breaking, stealing,
idolatry, and every other evil. 'They which
do such things shall not inherit the king-
dom of God.' Gal. 5:21. If they persist in
'sin, the judgment you have declared from
God's word is pronounced upon them in
heaven. In choosing to sin, they disown
Christ; the church must show that she
does not sanction their deeds, or she her-
self dishonors her Lord. She must say
about sin what God says about it. She
must deal with it as God directs, and her
action is ratified in heaven. He who de-
spises the authority of the church despises
the authority of Christ Himself."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 805, 806.
God's Ultimate Plan for a Faithful
Remnant
10.
What was the prophet Micah's
experience in the midst of the pre-
vailing apostasy? Micah 7:7-9.
NOTE.—"It is Satan's special device to
lead man into sin and then leave him there,
f 26 I
helpless and hopeless, fearing to seek for
pardon. But God invites, 'Let him take
hold of My strength, that he may make
peace with Me ; and he shall make peace
with Me.' Isaiah 27:5. In Christ every pro-
vision has been made, every encouragement
offered."—Prophets and Kings,
page 326.
11.
What is God's attitude toward
a repentant sinner? Micah 7:18, 19.
12.
What are the characteristics of
a true child of God? Micah 6:8.
NOTE.—"God desires His people to place
themselves in right relation to Him, that
they may understand what He requires of
them above all things else. They are to
reveal to every struggling soul in the world
what it means 'to do justly, and to love
mercy, and to walk humbly' with their God.
Wherever they are, at home or abroad, they
are to be His commandment-keeping
peo-
ple."—Testimonies to Ministers,
pages 458,
459.
13.
What glorious future might
have been Israel's if the people had
fully
turned to God? MiCah 4:6-8.
NoTE.—The promises to Israel were con-
ditional on obedience. "That which God
purposed to do for the world through
Israel, the chosen nation, He will finally ac-
complish through His church on earth to-
day. . . . To spiritual Israel have been re-
stored the privileges accorded the people of
God at the time of their deliverance from
Babylon."—Prophets and Kings,
pages 713,
714.
"Higher than the
highest hu-
man thought can reach is
God's ideal for His children.
Godliness—god likeness—is
the goal to be reached. Be-
fore the student there is
opened a path of continual
progress."—Education,
page
18.
Lesson 8, for August 24, 1963
Nahum—The Prophet of Consolation to the Oppressed
MEMORY VERSE:
"The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He
knoweth them that trust in Him." Nahum 1:7.
STUDY HELPS:
Book of Nahum; Isaiah 36
;
37; "Prophets and Kings," pages 349-
366; "S.D.A. Bible Dictionary," "Nahum, Book of;" "The S.D.A. Bible Commen-
tary," Introduction to Nahum and comments on Scripture references.
LESSON AIM:
To show that destruction came to Nineveh because of her pride,
idolatry, oppression, and defiance of God.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey;
Tuesday: Questions 7-10.
0
learn the memory verse.
0 Wednesday: Questions
11-14.
0
Sunday: Questions 1-4.
0
Thursday: Finish reading
Monday: Questions 5, 6; begin
study helps.
0
reading study helps.
0
Friday: Review entire lesson.
[27
7
Lesson Outline:
Historical Setting and Theme
I. Assyria Once the Favored of God
1.
Assyria's position. Ezek. 31:3-9.
2.
Nineveh's judgment once averted.
Jonah 1:2; 3:1-10.
II. Assyria's Sins
3.
Assyria's exaltation. Isa. 37:4-6, 17,
23, 24.
4.
Nineveh's wickedness. Nahum
3:1, 4.
III. Principles of God's Government
5.
The result of unrighteousness.
Nahum 1:2, 3.
6.
Thebes an example. Nahum 3:8-10.
IV. Prophetic Description
of
Nineveh's
Destruction
7.
Destruction of Nineveh and Assyria.
Nahum 2:13.
8.
Destruction depicted. Nahum 2:1,
4; 3:15.
9.
Assyria's reaction to God's visita-
tion. Nahum 3:12, 13, 18.
10.
Completeness of God's judgment.
Nahum 3:19 (first part) ; 1:8-10.
V. The Judgments of God and His
Care
11.
Reaction of Nineveh's acquaint-
ances. Nahum 3:7.
12.
Reaction of the other nations.
Nahum 3 : 19, last part.
13.
Effect on Judah. Nahum 1:15.
14.
God protects His own. Nahum 1:7.
THE LESSON
Historical Setting and Theme
"An indication of the time of Nahum's
prophetic ministry is found in the reference
to the fall of No (ch. 3:8). This city
(known by the Greeks as Thebes, later as
Diospolis) was destroyed by Ashurbanipal,
king of Assyria, in 663 B.c. Thus at least a
portion of Nahum's ministry must have
been after that time."-The
S.D.A. Bible
Commentary,
vol. 4, p. 1035.
"On the other hand, the destruction of
Nineveh is described as an event still future
(ch. 3:7). The Assyrian capital city of
Nineveh was captured and destroyed by
the combined forces of Media and Baby-
lonia in 612 B.c., which is, accordingly, the
latest possible date for Nahum. . . .
Hence, 640
B.C.,
about midway between the
two limits, marked by the destruction of
Thebes and the fall of Nineveh, would
seem to be a reasonable conjectural date
for Nahum's prophetic ministry."-Ibid.,
p. 23.
"The book has one supreme theme, the
coming fate of Nineveh. Because of this
the prophecy is complementary to the
message of Jonah. Jonah preached re-
pentance to Nineveh, and because its in-
habitants humbled themselves before God,
the city was saved. However, Assyria again
lapsed into iniquity, and it was Nahum's
burden to predict the divine sentence of its
destruction."-Ibid., p. 1035.
Assyria Once the Favored of God
1.
What position did God once al-
low Assyria to occupy? Ezek 31:3-9.
NOTE.
-"The rise and fall of the Assyrian
Empire is rich in lessons for the nations of
earth today. Inspiration has likened the
glory of Assyria at the height of her pros-
perity to a noble tree in the garden of God,
towering above the surrounding trees."-
Prophets and Kings,
pages 362, 363.
2.
When and how had the judg-
ment of God upon Nineveh once
been averted? Jonah 1:2; 3:1-10.
NOTE.
-"When
does God become a God
of wrath towards a nation or towards a
man? The answer to this question reveals
the principle of the divine judgment. God
destroyed Nineveh after long patience. One
hundred years before He had sent a re-
luctant prophet [Jonah] to foretell its
doom. Nineveh repented, but afterwards
repented of its repentance."-G. Campbell
Morgan,
Living Messages of the Books of
the Bible,
"Nahum," page 268.
[ 28
Assyria's Sins
3.
On one occasion how had As-
syria exalted herself against God and
His people? Isaiah 37:4-6, 17, 23, 24.
NOTE.—"The Assyrian officers, sure of the
strength of their disciplined forces, arranged
for a conference with the chief men of
Judah, during which they insolently de-
manded the surrender of the city. This
demand was accompanied by blasphemous
revilings against the God of the Hebrews.
Because of the weakness and apostasy of
Israel and Judah, the name of God was no
longer feared among the nations, but had
become a subject for continual reproach."
—Prophets and Kings,
page 352.
4.
A century after the destruction
of Nineveh was averted by the preach-
ing of Jonah, to what level of sinful-
ness had Nineveh again sunk? Na-
hum 3:1, 4.
NOTE.—"Thus, there are two sins calling
for the anger of God: the Godward sin of
pride and rebellion, expressed finally by
Sennacherib as he went forth and chal-
lenged God; the manward sin of cruelty
and oppression. These two are interrelated.
We never find one without the other. A
people proud and lifted up in rebellion
against God is a people cruel in its treat-
ment of men. The interrelation is inevit-
able and invariable. Jesus summarized all
the law in the words, 'Thou shalt love the
Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with
all thy soul, and with all thy mind. . . .
Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.' "
—Living Messages of the Books of the
Bible,
"Nahum," pages 267, 268.
Principles of God's Government
5.
How will God eventually pun-
ish unrighteousness? Nahum 1:2, 3.
Nora.—"Every nation that has come
upon the stage of action has been permitted
to occupy its place on the earth, that it
might be seen whether it would fulfill the
purpose of 'the Watcher and the Holy
One.' Prophecy has traced the rise and fall
of the world's great empires—Babylon,
Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome. With each
of these, as with nations of less power, his-
tory repeated itself. Each had its period of
test, each failed, its glory faded, its power
departed, and its place was occupied by an-
other."—Education,
pages 176, 177.
6.
Prior to the fall of Nineveh,
what other city had perished because
of her sin? Nahum 3:8-10.
NoTE.—No was Thebes in Upper Egypt,
which was destroyed by Ashurbanipal, king
of Assyria, in 663 B.C.
Prophetic Description of Nineveh's
Destruction
7.
In what words does Nahum fore-
tell the destruction of Nineveh and
Assyria? Nahum 2:13.
NoTE.—"With unerring accuracy the In-
finite One still keeps account with the na-
tions. While His mercy is tendered, with
calls to repentance, this account remains
open; but when the figures reach a certain
amount which God has fixed, the ministry
of His wrath begins. The account is closed.
Divine patience ceases. Mercy no longer
pleads in their
behalf."—Prophets and
Kings,
page 364.
8.
In what colorful language is the
destruction depicted? Nahum 2:1, 4;
3:15.
NoTE.—"Nineveh's destruction was made
complete. All that remains today of the
ancient city are two great mounds. . . .
So complete, indeed, were Nineveh's ruins
that Zenophon scarcely recognized the site;
Alexander the Great marched by, 'not
knowing that a world-empire was buried
under his feet.' Lucian wrote, 'Nineveh is
[ 29 I
perished, and there is no trace left where
once it was.' Gibbon records that as early
as A.D. 62, 'the city and even the ruins of
the city, had long disappeared.' The traveler
Niebuhr in 1766 passed over the site with-
out knowing it. Only since Layard and
Botta identified the site in 1842 has the
city begun to be recognized by the modern
world."—George L. Robinson,
The Twelve
Minor Prophets,
page 111.
9.
How would her strongholds ap-
pear and her defenders act in the day
of God's visitation? Nahum 3:12,
13, 18.
10.
How complete and irreversible
was the judgment of God on Nine-
veh? Nahum 3:19 (first part); 1:8-10.
NOTE.—The archaic word "bruit" used
in the King James Version has the mean-
ing of "news" or "report" in present par-
lance.
"The pride of Assyria and its fall are to
serve as an object lesson to the end of time.
. . . 'The pride of Assyria shall be brought
down, and the scepter of Egypt shall de-
part away.' Zechariah 10:11. This is true
not only of the nations that arrayed them-
selves against God in ancient times, but also
of nations today who fail of fulfilling the
divine purpose. In the day of final awards,
when the righteous Judge of all the earth
shall 'sift the nations' (Isaiah 30:28), and
those that have kept the truth shall be per-
mitted to enter the City of God, heaven's
arches will ring with the triumphant songs
of the redeemed."—Prophets
and Kings,
page 366.
The Judgments of God and
His Care
11.
What was the reaction of Nin-
eveh's neighboring lands when God's
judgments fell upon her? Nahum
3:7. Compare Rev. 18:9-16.
NOTE.—"Now at last, Jehovah becomes a
God that avengeth. When God proceeds in
judgment, man, observing from the stand-
point of essential right, is in absolute agree-
ment with
Him."—Living Messages of the
Books of the Bible,
"Nahum," page 268.
12.
How was Nineveh's final fate
at the hand of God greeted by other
nations? Nahum 3:19, last part.
NOTE.—" 'The Lord bath His way in the
whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds
are the dust of His feet.' Nahum 1:3. 0
that men might understand the patience
and long-suffering of God! He is putting
under restraint His own attributes. His
omnipotent power is under the control of
Omnipotence. 0 that men would under-
stand that God refuses to be wearied out
with the world's perversity and still holds
out the hope of forgiveness even to the
most undeserving! But His forbearance
will not always continue. Who is prepared
for the sudden change that will take place
in God's dealing with sinful men? Who
will be prepared to escape the punishment
that will certainly fall upon transgressors?"
—Counsel to Parents, Teachers, and Stu-
dents,
pages 415, 416.
13.
How would Judah receive the
tidings of Nineveh's destruction? Na-
hum 1:15.
14.
At the time divine judgment
falls on the wicked, what will God be
to those who trust in Him? Nahum
1:7.
NOTE.—"There is one final note in the
message. It is that of the absolute justice
of God, for His wrath is forevermore dis-
criminative. 'Jehovah is good, a stronghold
in the day of trouble; and He knoweth
them that put their trust in Him. But with
an overrunning flood He will make a full
end of the place thereof, and will pursue
His enemies into darkness.'
"—Living Mes-
sages of the Books of the Bible,
"Nahum,"
page 271.
30 ]
Lesson 9, for August 31, 1963
Habakkuk-Prophet of Faith and Patience
MEMORY VERSE:
"For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this
is
the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." 1 John 5:4.
STUDY HELPS:
Book of Habakkuk; "Prophets and Kings," pages 384-391; "S.D.A.
Bible Dictionary," "Habakkuk, Book of;" "The S.D.A. Bible Commentary," In-
troduction to Habakkuk and comments on Scripture references.
LESSON AIM:
To know that even though wrongs may be perpetrated, justice will
ultimately triumph; therefore as Christians we ought to exercise patience and
faith.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey;
learn memory verse.
❑
Sunday: Questions 1-4.
❑
Monday: Questions 5-9.
❑
Tuesday: Questions 10, 11; begin
Check Here
reading study helps.
Wednesday: Questions 12-14.
Thursday: Finish reading study
helps.
0
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
Historical Setting and Theme
I. Conditions in Judah
1.
Rampant wickedness. Hab. 1:3, 4.
2.
Habakkuk's impatience. Hab. 1:2.
II. God's Instrument of Punishment
3.
The Chaldeans. Hab. 1:5-7.
4.
Habakkuk questions. Hab. 1:12-14.
III. Habakkuk's Reaffirmation of God's
Justice
5.
Habakkuk waits. Hab. 2:1; 1:12.
6.
God's assurance to Habakkuk. Hab.
2:2, 3.
7. The just shall live. Hab. 2:4.
8. Babylonians to be punished. Hab.
2:5, 6, 8, 9, 12, 18, 19.
9. God still in control. Hab. 2:20.
IV. Habakkuk's Vision
10. He prays for mercy. Hab. 3:2.
11. Of coming judgment. Hab. 3:3-10.
V. Habakkuk's Climactic Expression of
Faith
12. Habakkuk inspired with awe. Hab.
3:16.
13. God's providential protection. Hab.
3:11-15.
14. The prophet's faith. Hab. 3:18, 19.
THE LESSON
Historical Setting and Theme
"At the time Josiah began to rule, and
for many years before, the truehearted in
Judah were questioning whether God's
promises to ancient Israel could ever be
fulfilled. From a human point of view the
divine purpose for the chosen nation seemed
almost impossible of accomplishment. . . .
In the face of the long-continued persecu-
tion of the righteous, and of the apparent
prosperity of the wicked, could those who
had remained true to God hope for better
days?
"These anxious questionings were voiced
by the prophet Habakkuk."-Prophets
and
Kings,
pages 384, 385.
[31]
King Josiah reigned from 640/39 to
609/08 E.c., and Habakkuk's ministry thus
falls in the latter half of the seventh cen-
tury B.C. and precedes the first Jewish cap-
tivity under Jehoiakim by several decades.
"The book of Habakkuk is the story of
a believer's conflict of faith, and of the
ultimate triumph of faith."—G. Campbell
Morgan,
Living Messages of the Books of
the Bible,
"Habakkuk," page 273.
Conditions in Judah
1.
What conditions did Habakkuk
see in Judah? Hab. 1:3, 4.
NorE.—"The apostasy of former cen-
turies had gathered strength with the pass-
ing years; ten of the tribes had been scat-
tered among the heathen; only the tribes
of Judah and Benjamin remained, and even
these now seemed on the verge of moral
and national ruin. The prophets had begun
to foretell the utter destruction of their
fair city, where stood the temple built by
Solomon, and where all their earthly hopes
of national greatness had centered. Could it
be that God was about to turn aside from
His avowed purpose of bringing deliverance
to those who should put their trust in
Him
?"—Prophets and Kings,
pages 384,
385.
2.
What, apparently, did Habak-
kuk think God should do in the midst
of this? Hab. 1:2.
God's Instrument of Punishment
3.
Because of Judah's sins, what
scourge would God permit in due
time to fall upon her? Hab. 1:5-7.
NOTE.—"God answered the cry of His
loyal children. Through His chosen mouth-
piece He revealed His determination to
bring chastisement upon the nation that had
turned from Him to serve the gods of the
heathen. Within the lifetime of some who
were even then making inquiry regarding
the future, He would miraculously shape
the affairs of the ruling nations of earth and
bring the Babylonians into the ascendancy.
These Chaldeans, 'terrible and dreadful,'
were to fall suddenly upon the land of
Judah as a divinely appointed scourge.
. . . The princes of Judah and the fairest
of the people were to be carried captive to
Babylon; the Judean cities and villages and
the cultivated fields were to be laid waste;
nothing was to be
spared."—Prophets and
Kings,
pages 385, 386.
4.
When Habakkuk perceived what
God was about to do, how was he
affected? Hab. 1:12-14. Compare Isa.
10:5, 12.
NorE.—"Since the sinless nature of God
cannot tolerate 'evil' (see Ps. 5:4-6) and
cannot countenance 'iniquity' (see Ps. 145:
17), the prophet is perplexed as to why God
should permit the Chaldeans to 'deal treach-
erously' against His people. They are
idolaters, and far worse—at least from Ha-
bakkuk's point of view—than Judah. How,
then, can God in justice use them to
punish Judah
?"—The S.D.A. Bible Com-
mentary,
on Hab. 1:13.
Habakkuk's Reaffirmation of God's
Justice
5.
Although perplexed at God's
means of punishment, what shows
that Habakkuk had faith in the ulti-
mate justice of God? Hab. 2:1; 1:12.
NoTE.—"Confident that even in this ter-
rible judgment the purpose of God for His
people would in some way be fulfilled,
Habakkuk bowed in submission to the re-
vealed will of Jehovah. 'Art Thou not from
everlasting, 0 Lord my God, mine Holy
One?' he exclaimed. And then, his faith
reaching out beyond the forbidding prospect
of the immediate future, and laying fast
hold on the precious promises that reveal
God's love for His trusting children, the
prophet added, 'We shall not die.' . . .
With this declaration of faith he rested his
case, and that of every believing Israelite,
in the hands of a compassionate God."—
Prophets and Kings,
page
386.
[32
6.
As Habakkuk rested his case in
God, what assurance did God give
him? Hab. 2:2, 3.
NOTE.—"Every worker will have a pre-
cious experience and will possess faith and
power that will rise superior to
circum-
stances."—Testimonies,
vol. 7, p. 193.
7.
What great fundamental prin-
ciple is presented with reference to
the righteous and the unrighteous?
Hab. 2:4.
8.
Although the Babylonians had
been used by God as the sword of His
anger, what sins would ultimately
bring retribution upon them? Hab.
2:5, 6, 8, 9, 12, 18, 19. Compare Isa.
14:4-6, 13, 17.
9.
Although Habakkuk could not
understand why wickedness was some-
times permitted to go unpunished,
what conviction did he express? Hab.
2:20.
NOTE.—"In the annals of human history,
the growth of nations, the rise and fall of
empires, appear as if dependent on the will
and prowess of man; the shaping of events
seems, to a great degree, to be determined
by his power, ambition, or caprice. But in
the word of God the curtain is drawn aside,
and we behold, above, behind, and through
all the play and counterplay of human in-
terest and power and passions, the agencies
of the All-merciful One, silently, patiently
working out the counsels of His own will."
—Prophets and Kings,
pages 499, 500.
Habakkuk's Vision
10.
As Habakkuk was granted a
vision of the coming judgment on the
wicked, for which he had verily
prayed, what petition did he offer?
Hab. 3:2.
NOTE.—"At last he trembles as he watches
God's judgment. He who had thought God
was doing nothing to punish evil, now
prays that in the midst of wrath He will
remember mercy. He who had imagined
that God had forsaken the faithful, and left
them to their fate, at last breaks out into
the great psalm with which the book ends."
—Living Messages of the Books of the
Bible,
"Habakkuk," page 283.
11.
How does Habakkuk describe
the majestic appearance of God in
judgment? Hab. 3:3-10.
Habakkuk's Climactic Expression
of Faith
12.
What feelings did this vision
of God produce in the prophet? Hab.
3:16.
13.
How does Habakkuk refer to
God's past providences of protection
and deliverance of His people in the
past? Hab. 3:11-15.
14.
With what shout of triumph
did Habakkuk close his message?
Hab. 3:18, 19.
NOTE.—"The season of distress and an-
guish before us will require a faith that can
endure weariness, delay, and hunger—a
faith that will not faint though severely
tried. The period of probation is granted
to all to prepare for that time."—The
Great
Controversy,
page 621.
How many Branch Sabbath
Schools does your Sabbath
school have in operation at
the present time?
[
33]
Lesson 10, for September 7, 1963
Zephaniah—Proclaimer of the Day of the Lord
MEMORY VERSE:
"In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem, Fear thou not: and to
Zion, Let not thine hands be slack. The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is
mighty; He will save, He will rejoice over thee with joy; He will rest in His
love, He will joy over thee with singing." Zeph. 3:16,
17.
STUDY HELPS:
Book of Zephaniah; "Prophets and Kings," pages 389-391; "S.D.A.
Bible Dictionary," "Zephaniah, Book of;" "The S.D.A. Bible Commentary,"
Introduction to Zephaniah and comments on Scripture references.
LESSON AIM:
To show that God will be the protector and refuge of His people in
the day of His final visitation on the wicked.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey;
Tuesday: Questions 7-9.
❑
learn the memory verse.
❑
Wednesday: Questions 10-12.
❑
Sunday: Questions 1-4.
❑
Thursday: Questions 13, 14; finish
Monday: Questions 5, 6; begin
reading study helps.
❑
reading study helps.
❑
Friday: Review entire lesson.
❑
Lesson Outline:
Historical Setting and Theme
I. The Day of the Lord
1.
Its nearness. Zeph. 1:7, 14.
2.
Its nature. Zeph. 1:15; 2:2 (last
part) ; 3:8.
II. Impending Judgment
3.
Upon foreign nations. Zeph 2:4, 8,
12, 13.
4.
Upon Judah. Zeph. 1:4, first part.
III. Classes of People Punished
5.
Specific groups mentioned. Zeph.
1:4 (last part), 6, 8, 9, 11, 12.
6.
Possessions then of no value. Zeph.
1:13, 18.
IV. God's Professed People
7.
Characteristics. Zeph. 3:1, 2.
8.
Description of leaders. Zeph. 3:3, 4.
9.
Admonition to the meek. Zeph.
2:1-3.
V. The Remnant
10.
God gathers His own. Zeph.
3:9-11, 18, 20.
11.
Character qualifications. Zeph.
3:12, 13.
12.
Punishment of her affiicters. Zeph.
3:19.
VI. God as King
13.
Ruler of the remnant. Zeph.
3:14, 15.
14.
Rejoices over the redeemed. Zeph.
3:16, 17.
THE LESSON
Historical Setting and Theme
"He [Zephaniah] states that he minis-
tered under King Josiah (ch. 1:1), who
reigned from 640/39 to 608 B.C. Nineveh's
destruction, which came in 612, is referred
to as a future event, indicating that Zepha-
niah's work preceded this date. Further-
more the repeated mention of Judah's wick-
edness, described as enormous in his day (see
[34
]
NOTE.—"Treasure laid up on earth will
not endure. . . . The love of money was
the ruling passion in the Jewish age. World-
liness usurped the place of God and religion
in the soul. So it is now. . . . The instruc-
tion is to 'lay up for
yourselves
treasures in
heaven.'"—Thoughts From the Mount of
Blessing,
pages 88, 89.
"And at the final day, when the wealth
of earth shall perish, he who has laid up
treasure in heaven will behold that which
his life has gained."—/bid., p. 90.
God's Professed People
7. What were the characteristics of
the majority of the people of Jerusa-
lem? Zeph. 3:1, 2.
NOTE.—"Here is our work. It is not sin-
ners who are here addressed, but all the
meek of the earth, who have wrought His
judgments or kept His commandments.
There is work for everyone, and if all will
obey, we shall see sweet union in the ranks
of Sabbathkeepers."—Testimonies,
vol. 1,
p. 426.
"We are near the close of time. I have
been shown that the retributive judgments
of God are already in the land. The Lord
has given us warning of the events about
to take place. Light is shining from His
word; yet darkness covers the earth, and
gross darkness the people. 'When they shall
say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruc-
tion cometh upon them; . . . and they shall
not escape.'
"—Ibid.,
vol. 5, p. 99.
The Remnant
NOTE.—"This is the spirit upon which
judgment falls. The last stage of sin is that
of luxury and indifference, and the spirit
which issues in such a condition is that of
disobedience to the voice of God, refusal to
receive His correction, failure to put trust
in Him, and distance from
Him."—Living
Messages of the Books of the Bible,
"Zeph-
aniah," page 296.
8.
How does the prophet charac-
terize Jerusalem's leaders, judges,
prophets, and priests? Zeph. 3:3, 4.
Non.—"You have no time to lose. Make
mighty efforts to rescue yourself from Sa-
tan's snare. You need to learn of Jesus,
who is meek and lowly of heart, and then
you will obtain rest. Oh, what a work you
have to do to perfect holiness in the fear
of God, and be prepared for the society of
the pure and holy angels. You need to
humble your heart before God, and seek
meekness and righteousness, that you may
be hid in the day of the Lord's fierce
anger."—Testimonies,
vol. 2, p. 222.
9.
In view of the imminence of the
day of the Lord, what are the meek
of the earth admonished to do? Zeph.
2:1-3.
10.
What will God do with His
true and loyal followers at this time?
Zeph. 3:9-11, 18, 20.
11.
What are the character quali-
fications of God's remnant? Zeph.
3:12, 13. Compare Rev. 14:5; 21:27.
12.
As God gathers His remnant,
what will He do to those who have
afflicted His people? Zeph. 3:19.
God as King
13.
What high privilege is finally
to be the portion of the saved rem-
nant? Zeph. 3:14, 15. Compare Rev.
21:3.
14.
How will God look upon His
saved heritage? Zeph. 3:16, 17. Com-
pare Isa. 53:11.
[ 36 3
Are you following the Daily
Lesson Study plan? Let us re-
solve to be more diligent in
the study of His word and
"set apart a little time each
day for the study of the Sab-
bath school
lesson."—Coun-
sels on Sabbath School Work,
page 41.
NorE.—"Zephaniah teaches that it is ours
to rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.
He called the men of his own day to sing
for joy because of 'the day of the Lord,'
because 'the day of the Lord' is the day of
destruction of the things that destroy, be-
cause 'the day of the Lord' will be the
beginning of a new era when songs shall
take the place of sighs, and service shall take
the place of selfishness, and solidarity shall
take the place of scattering."—Living
Mes-
sages of the Books of the Bible,
"Zepha-
niah," pages 299, 300.
Lesson 11, for September 14, 1963
Haggai—Prophet of Courage, Action, and Victory
MEMORY VERSE:
"Yet now be strong, 0 Zerubbabel, saith the Lord; and be strong,
0 Joshua, son of Josedech, the high priest; and be strong, all ye people of the
land, saith the Lord, and work: for I am with you, saith the Lord of hosts."
Hag. 2:4.
STUDY HELPS:
Book of Haggai; Ezra 3 to 6; "Prophets and Kings," pages 567-
579; "S.D.A. Bible Dictionary," "Haggai, Book of;" "The S.D.A. Bible Commen-
tary," Introduction to Haggai and comments on Scripture references.
LESSON AIM:
To show that courageous action in accordance with God's will
speedily culminates in victory.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey;
learn the memory verse.
Sunday: Questions 1-6.
Monday: Questions 7-9; begin
reading study helps.
❑
Tuesday: Questions 10, 11; read
Check Here
further from study helps.
❑
Wednesday: Questions 12, 13;
read further from study helps.
Thursday: Finish reading study
helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
0
Lesson Outline:
Historical Setting and Theme
I. Experience of the Returned Exiles
1.
Temple neglected. Hag. 1:2.
2.
People living in comfort. Hag.
1:4.
3.
Financial impoverishment. Hag.
1:6,
9-11.
II. God's Advice Through Haggai
4.
Rebuild the Lord's house! Hag.
1:7, 8.
5.
A ready response. Hag. 1:12.
6.
God's promise. Hag. 1:13.
III. Status of the Jews
7. Formal righteousness. Hag.
2:12-14.
37
8.
Impoverishment. Hag. 2:17.
9.
Conditions of God's blessing.
Hag.' 2 :18, 19.
IV. Zerubbabel's Temple
10.
"As nothing." Hag. 2:3.
11.
God Himself to glorify temple.
Hag. 2:4, 7, 9.
V. In the Future
12.
God's dealing with the nations.
Hag. 2:21, 22.
13.
Zerubbabel to be as a signet. Hag.
2:23.
THE LESSON
Historical Setting and Theme
"Haggai's courageous ministry was re-
sponsible for the resumption of the rebuild-
ing of the Temple in the time of Darius I,
after the work had ceased for some time
(Ezra 4:24; 5:1). . . . The consecutive order
of the book of Haggai would indicate that
his whole recorded ministry lasted not
longer than 3% months, beginning (ch. 1:1)
on Aug. 29, 520
B.C.,
and extending, in his
last two recorded speeches (ch. 2:10, 20), to
Dec. 18, 520. The work of no other
prophet can be dated so definitely as that
of Haggai."—The
S.D.A. Bible Commen-
tary,
vol. 4, p. 24.
"The four messages constituting the book
of Haggai were calculated to arouse the
flagging spirit of the people, to inspire them
with the will to do great things for God."—
Ibid.,
p. 1074.
Experience of the Returned Exiles
1.
At the time Haggai was called
to the prophetic office, what was the
attitude of the returned exiles with
reference to rebuilding the temple?
Hag. 1:2. Compare Ezra 4:17, 21-24.
NoTE.—"The people advanced this false
argument for their failure to accomplish
the rebuilding of the temple. They ap-
parently misinterpreted the 70-year proph-
ecy of Jeremiah, saying that the period of
captivity had not been fully accomplished.
Evidently they claimed to be waiting for
the completion of 70 years from the de-
struction of the Temple in 587/586
B.C.,
. . .
a period which would end in 518/517,
a time somewhat later than that of these
messages (520/519 B c )
The difficul-
ties they encountered, which hindered their
rebuilding of the Temple, they declared to
be in the nature of a reproof of God for
their premature haste. But the very fact
that Darius had set aside the prohibition
of Smerdis the usurper for the building of
the Temple . . . should have given the
Jews every incentive to resume work on
the house of the Lord."—The
S.D.A. Bible
Commentary,
on Hag. 1:2.
2.
While the temple still lay in
ruins, in what kind of homes were
those exiles living? Hag. 1:4.
3.
Because of their neglect of God's
house, what adverse conditions pre-
vailed in their land? Hag. 1:6, 9-11.
Compare Lev. 26:18-20.
NOTE.-"But
even this dark hour was not
without hope for those whose trust was in
God. The prophets Haggai and Zechariah
were raised up to meet the crisis. In stiring
testimonies these appointed messengers re-
vealed to the people the cause of their
troubles. The lack of temporal prosperity
was the result of a neglect to put God's in-
terests first, the prophets declared. Had
the Israelites honored God, had they shown
Him due respect and courtesy, by making
the building of His house their first work,
they would have invited His presence and
blessing."—Prophets and Kings,
pages 573,
574.
God's Advice Through Haggai
4.
What was God's advice to the
disheartened men of Judah? Hag.
1:7, 8.
[38
]
to frustrate the carrying out of the divine
purpose, and to this end he was seeking to
move upon the heathen nations to destroy
them
utterly."—Prophets and Kings,
pages
582, 583.
3.
What was God's promise to
Judah at this time? Zech. 1:17; 2:12.
Satan's Onslaughts
4.
How did Satan try to discourage
God's people and cause them to fail
in fulfilling the divine plan? Zech.
3:1-3.
NOTE.—In the vision of chapter 3,
Joshua, the high priest, represents the peo-
ple.
"Satan determined to put forth still
further effort to weaken and discourage
God's people by holding before them their
imperfections of character. If those who
had long suffered because of transgression
could again be induced to disregard God's
commandments, they would be brought
once more under the bondage of sin."—
Prophets and Kings,
page 582.
5.
What had God symbolically
done with individual sins and also
with the sins of the nation? Zech. 3:4;
5:5-11.
NorE.—"The high priest cannot defend
himself or his people from Satan's accusa-
tions. He does not claim that Israel is free
from fault. In filthy garments, symbolizing
the sins of the people, which he bears as
their representative,
he
stands before the
Angel, confessing their guilt, yet pointing
to their repentance and humiliation, and
relying upon the mercy of a sin-pardoning
Redeemer. In faith he claims the promises
of
God."—Prophets and Kings,
pages 583,
584.
The vision of the ephah represents the re-
moval of sin from the land of Israel.
"6. Ephah.
A dry measure, equivalent to
about 5 gal. Inasmuch as a vessel of this
size was not large enough to contain a
woman (v. 7), some have suggested that
shape rather than volume was the intent of
the description. . . .
"7.
Talent.
Heb.
kikkar,
literally, 'a
round disk'; here used to describe the
leaden circular cover of the ephah. When
this cover was lifted Zechariah saw a
woman sitting in the ephah.
"8.
Wickedness.
This woman personified
the iniquity of backslidden Israel, which
God was seeking to remove. The vision is
thus related to the preceding one. . . .
Some, in fact, consider the two visions as
one. However, they are actually two rep-
resentations."—The
S.D.A. Bible Commen-
tary,
on Zech. 5:6-8.
No Impossibilities With God
6.
Under the direction of God
what would become of apparently in-
surmountable difficulties that loomed
before God's servant? Zech. 4:7-9.
NorE.—"Throughout the history of God's
people great mountains of difficulty, ap-
parently insurmountable, have loomed up
before those who were trying to carry out
the purposes of Heaven. Such obstacles are
permitted by the Lord as a test of faith.
When we are hedged about on every side,
this is the time above all others to trust in
God and in the power of His Spirit. The
exercise of a living faith means an increase
of spiritual strength and the development
of an unfaltering trust. It is thus that the
soul becomes a conquering power. Before
the demand of faith, the obstacles placed
by Satan across the pathway of the Chris-
tian will disappear; for the powers of
heaven will come to his aid. 'Nothing shall
be impossible unto
you.'"—Prophets and
Kings,
pages 594, 595.
7.
Through whose might and wis-
dom were difficulties to be overcome?
Zech. 4:6.
NOTE.—"The oil furnished by the olive
trees (v. 3) typified the Holy Spirit (see
COL 408). Divine grace alone could over-
come all the obstacles that confronted the
[ 42 ]
14. In the fullness of time who was
to come to this righteous and prosper-
ous nation? Zech. 9:9, 10.
NOTE.—"Five hundred years before the
birth of Christ, the prophet Zechariah thus
foretold the coming of the King to Israel."
—The Desire of Ages,
page 569.
"Will you, by your gifts and
offerings, show that you
think nothing too good for
Him who 'gave His only-be-
gotten
Son'?"—Counsels on
Stewardship,
page 19.
Lesson 13, for September 28, 1963
Malachi—Prophet to a Self-Righteous People
MEMORY VERSE:
"But unto you that fear My name shall the Sun of Righteousness
arise with healing in His wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves
of the stall." Mal. 4:2.
STUDY HELPS:
Book of Malachi; Ezra 9; 10; Nehemiah 13; "Prophets and Kings,"
pages 705-717; "S.D.A. Bible Dictionary," "Malachi, Book of;" "The S.D.A.
Bible Commentary," Introduction to Malachi and comments on Scripture refer-
ences.
LESSON AIM:
To show that as the Jews prior to the first coming of Christ must
forsake their sins, so we as God's people today must let Jesus cleanse us from
our sins in order to be prepared to live with Him in the earth made new.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey;
0
learn the memory verse.
Sunday: Questions 1, 2; begin
reading study helps.
Monday: Questions 3-6.
Check Here
Tuesday: Questions 7-9.
0
Wednesday: Questions 10-13.
0
Thursday: Finish reading study
0
helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
❑
Lesson Outline:
Historical Setting and Theme
I. God's Avowed Love for His People
1.
God's assurance. Mal. 1:2, first
part.
2.
His people's doubts. Mal. 1:2,
second part.
II. God and His Ministers
3. Divine charges against ministers.
Mal. 1:6 (first part), 7 (first part).
4.
Reply of the ministers. Mal. 1:6
(last part), 7 (last part).
5.
God's attitude toward corruption.
Mal. 1:14.
6.
Characteristics of true ministers.
Mal. 2:5-7.
III. Charges Against the People, and
the Day of Judgment
7.
Charges, and Israel's reply. Mal.
2:11, 17; 3:7, 8, 13.
8.
The surety of judgment. Mal. 3:5.
9.
Severity of the test. Mal.
3:2, 3.
[ 44 ]
IV. Difference Between the Just and
the Unjust
10.
God's final admonition. Mal. 4:4.
11.
Differentiation in judgment. Mal.
3:18.
12.
Fate of the wicked. Mal. 4:1, 3.
13.
God's assurance to His own. Mal.
3:16, 17; 4:2.
THE LESSON
Historical Setting and Theme
"Not only is Malachi last in the se-
quential order of the prophets; it is also the
last prophetic book produced in pre-Chris-
tian times. Its messages show that it was
written during the time of the kingdom of
Judah, when a governor ruled over the
country (ch. 1:8), a fact that points to the
Persian period. The Temple was apparently
rebuilt, and sacrifices were regularly of-
fered at the time of the prophet's activity
(ch. 1:7-10). The various abuses rebuked
by Malachi are mostly the same as those
Nehemiah found when he returned to Je-
rusalem for his second term of governor-
ship (Mal. 3:8, 9; cf. Neh. 13:10-12 ; Mal.
2:11-16; cf. Neh. 13:23-27). . . . Accord-
ingly, the book can probably be dated
about 425
B.c."—The S.D.A. Bible Com-
mentary,
vol. 4,
p.
24.
"Malachi's prophecy . . . presents a dis-
mal scene of progressive spiritual declension.
To be sure, the exiles had returned from the
land of their captivity to the Land of
Promise, but in their hearts they remained
in the far country of disobedience and for-
getfulness of God. . . . God's patient en-
, deavor to elicit recognition of past mis-
takes, coupled with their progressively ve-
hement denial of having made any, consti-
tutes the theme of the book."—Ibid., pp.
1121, 1122.
God's Avowed Love for His People
1. What assurance did God give
His erring people? Mal. 1:2, first part.
NOTE.—"I do no violence to the declara-
tion that fell from the lips of Malachi if
I render it thus, I have loved you, I do
love you, I will love you, saith Jehovah.
It is a declaration of the continuity of His
love. That is the, opening statement; the
burden of the book is that of the constancy
of the love of God."—G. Campbell Morgan,
Living Messages of the Books of the Bible,
"Malachi," page 342.
2.
What was His people's reply to
God's affirmation of love? Mal. 1:2,
second part.
NoTE.—"This is the first of a series of
questions, characteristic of the book of Mal-
achi, which expose the self-justifying at-
titude of the people of Malachi's day. These
questions may not have been actually
voiced by the people, but they truly reflect
the inner thinking of the nation. The word
`wherein' epitomizes the utter unconcern of
the people for spiritual things and sounds
the keynote of the book."—The
S.D.A. Bi-
ble Commentary,
vol. 4, on Mal. 1:2.
God and His Ministers
3.
What two charges did God
bring specifically against the priests?
Mal. 1:6 (first part), 7 (first part).
NOTE.—"The church will rarely take a
higher stand than is taken by her ministers.
We need a converted ministry and a con-
verted people. Shepherds who watch for
souls as they that must give account will
lead the flock on in paths of peace and
holiness. Their success in this work will be
in proportion to their own growth in grace
and knowledge of the truth. When the
teachers are sanctified, soul, body, and
spirit, they can impress upon the people
the importance of such sanctification."—
Testimonies, vol.
5, p. 227.
4.
What answer did the priests
give to these two divine reprimands?
Mal. 1:6 (last part), 7 (last part).
[46
1
5.
What was God's attitude toward
the corrupt offerings presented to Him
and toward those who presented
them? Mal. 1:14.
6.
What traits of character should
have distinguished the Lord's true
ministers? Mal. 2:5-7.
Charges Against the People, and
the Day of Judgment
7.
What five charges did God level
against His people and what answers
did Israel give? Mal. 2:11, 17; 3:7,
8, 13.
NoTE.—"The special system of tithing was
founded upon a principle which is as en-
during as the law of God. This system of
tithing was a blessing to the Jews, else God
would not have given it them. So also
will it be a blessing to those who carry it
out to the end of
time."—Testimonies, vol.
3, pp. 404, 405.
8.
What would impenitent Israel
ultimately face? Mal. 3:5. Compare
Rom. 14:12; 2 Cor. 5:10.
9.
How severe would be the test to
which all must submit? Mal. 3:2, 3.
NoTE.—"I saw that God is purifying and
proving His people. He will refine them as
gold, until the dross is consumed and His
image is reflected in them. All have not
that spirit of self-denial and that willing-
ness to endure hardness and to suffer for
the truth's sake, which God requires. Their
wills are not subdued; they have not con-
secrated themselves wholly to God, seek-
ing no greater pleasure than to do His will.
Ministers and people lack spirituality and
true godliness. Everything is to be shaken
that can be shaken. God's people will be
brought into most trying positions, and
all must be settled, rooted, and grounded in
the truth, or their steps will surely slide. If
God comforts and nourishes the soul with
His inspiring presence, they can endure,
though the way may be dark and thorny.
For the darkness will soon pass away, and
the true light shine
forever."—Testimonies,
vol.
1, p. 355.
Difference Between the Just and
the Unjust
10.
In view of the inevitable judg-
ment, what was God's admonition?
Mal. 4:4.
NOTE.—"In this time of well-nigh uni-
versal apostasy, God calls upon His mes-
sengers to proclaim His law in the spirit
and power of Elias. As John the Baptist,
in preparing a people for Christ's first ad-
vent, called their attention to the Ten
Commandments, so we are to give, with
no uncertain sound, the message: 'Fear God,
and give glory to Him; for the hour of His
judgment is come.' With the earnestness
that characterized Elijah the prophet and
John the Baptist, we are to strive to prepare
the way for Christ's second advent."—El-
len G. White Comments,
The S.D.A. Bible
Commentary,
vol. 4, p. 1184.
11.
Between whom would men be
able to differentiate in the day of
judgment? Mal. 3:18.
12.
What will be the final fate of
the wicked? Mal. 4:1, 3.
NorE.—"The whole universe will have
become witnesses to the nature and results
of sin. And its utter extermination, which
in the beginning would have brought fear
to angels and dishonor to God, will now
vindicate His love and establish His honor
before the universe of beings •who delight to
do His will, and in wVise:heail is His law."
—The Great Contr
.
oversy,
page 504.
[ 46 ]
CYPRUS
MEDITERRANEAN SEA
CHURCH
Paul spent
three
years in Assisi.
ARABIA
Flocks in ICedar
shall be gathered.
MIDDLE EAST DIVISION
POPULATION
CHURCHES
CHURCH MEMBERSHIP
SABBATH SCHOOL MEMBERSHIP
Yr
117,301,000
33
2,170
3,625
imr
s
‘
)
'
:As
i
nLf_
on
m
i..
an
COSINS
GREECE
PATHOS
TURKEY